Rapids 2 GM Brian Crookham Honored as MLS NEXT Pro Executive of the Year: A Deep Dive into building a Development Powerhouse
Brian Crookham,General Manager of Colorado Rapids 2,has been recognized as the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Executive of the Year – a testament to his vision and dedication to player development. This award isn’t just a personal accolade; it’s a validation of the Rapids’ commitment to fostering the next generation of MLS talent and a signal of a program built for sustained success.
The recognition feels particularly poignant for Crookham, who witnessed the culmination of his team’s efforts in 2023, reaching the Western Conference Final in front of a record crowd. That moment, a visible display of pride and accomplishment, underscored the impact of a carefully cultivated habitat where young players thrive.
Beyond the Trophy: A Consistent Track Record of Success
Since the inception of MLS NEXT Pro in 2021, Rapids 2 has consistently been a force to be reckoned with, reaching the conference final twice. While the 2023 campaign ended in a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Austin FC II, it simultaneously showcased the burgeoning talent that would soon impact the first team. Players like Oliver Larraz and Darren Yapi,honed within the Rapids 2 system,have become key contributors to the senior squad.
Crookham’s influence extends far beyond game days. As one of the club’s longest-tenured members, he oversees the entire player development pathway, meticulously crafting an environment where individual growth is paramount.He doesn’t just manage a team; he cultivates a culture. This dedication was evident even in defeat, as Rapids 2 pushed New York Red Bulls II to the limit in a thrilling, penalty-decided match shortly after their Conference Final appearance.
The engine of Development: The SuperDraft and Strategic Acquisitions
Crookham’s impact is most keenly felt during the offseason. He’s a driving force behind the Rapids’ proactive approach to the MLS SuperDraft, a process the club prioritizes more heavily than many of its league counterparts.Rather than viewing the draft as a secondary concern, the rapids see it as a crucial opportunity to identify and integrate future first-team players – and the vast majority of drafted players find their footing with Rapids 2.
The 2024 SuperDraft yielded immediate dividends, bringing in Sydney Wathuta (Vermont) and Alex Harris (Cornell), both of whom quickly established themselves as key players and earned opportunities with the first team. Alongside draft picks, Crookham’s scouting network unearthed hidden gems like Sam Bassett (a Homegrown signing) and, most impressively, Mamadou Billo Diop. Diop, an 18-year-old discovered at DME Academy in Florida, exploded onto the scene in 2025, finishing fifth in MLS NEXT Pro with 14 goals and adding two assists.
these aren’t simply signings; they’re strategic investments in potential, carefully selected to fit the Rapids’ developmental philosophy.
A Culture of Dedication and Trust
However, Crookham emphasizes that talent acquisition is only part of the equation. What truly sets Rapids 2 apart is the unwavering work ethic and commitment of the players themselves.
“They are literally (at the training facility) from early in the morning until five o’clock at night every day,” Crookham explains. “It’s the preparation for the session, the session, rewatching the session.When they get back in (from training), you walk in there and it’s so focused.”
This dedication is fostered by a culture of trust, where players are encouraged to embrace their individuality and contribute their unique strengths. Crookham believes that empowering players to take ownership of their development is the key to unlocking their full potential.
“When you talk about that moment following the Western Conference final, I think it was a culmination of that because at some stage, you transfer that responsibility to the players, and the players have to go out and perform. When you’ve got that right, you’ve got the whole culture right.”
Looking Ahead: The 2025 SuperDraft and Continued Investment
Crookham and the Rapids aren’t resting on their laurels. Preparation for the 2025 SuperDraft is already underway. While the Rapids may have fewer picks than last year, they’ve strategically acquired two additional picks from the Philadelphia Union in exchange for General Allocation Money – a clear indication of their commitment to building through the draft. This trade, netting $350,000 in
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