Coach Dave Sharp returns to sidelines after medical emergency; Ava Holzwarth leads standout
performance
RAPID CITY, SD — July 18, 2025 — The Black Hills Rapids Soccer Club is proud to announce that its U19 Girls team has been crowned National Champions at the 2025 National Premier Leagues (NPL) Finals, held July 7–11 at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park in Denver, Colorado. The NPL Finals—widely regarded as one of the most prestigious national youth soccer competitions in the United States.
After winning all three group-stage matches with dominant performances, the Rapids went on to win both their semifinal and final matchups, finishing the week undefeated with a combined goal tally of 28 for and 5 against. The week culminated in a thrilling 4–3 victory over defending champions Americas FC (Texas) in the U19 Girls Gold Division final.
“This is more than just a soccer title. It’s a reflection of what’s possible when a group of players, families, and coaches commit to something greater than themselves,” said Dave Sharp, Executive Director and Head Coach. “This team showed incredible resilience—on and off the field. It was an honor to be part of it.”
A Remarkable Return to the Sidelines
In a stunning moment during the tournament, Executive Director and Head Coach Dave Sharp experienced a serious medical emergency on Tuesday morning, July 8, just hours after leading the team to its second group-stage win. He was immediately rushed to the hospitalized and underwent a critical medical procedure.
Sharp was released from the hospital on Wednesday and made a remarkable return to the sideline on Thursday for the semifinal, followed by the national final on Friday, coaching alongside Assistant Coach Craig Mount and the club’s Director of Coaching Joel Mthombeni.
“His return was nothing short of remarkable,” said Mount. “It reminded all of us why we do what we do, and what it means to give everything to the players.”
Ava Holzwarth: From Local Roots to National Spotlight
One of the tournament’s standout players was Ava Holzwarth, a rising junior at Stevens High School and longtime member of Black Hills Rapids. Known for her speed, creativity, and consistency, Holzwarth led the attacking front throughout the tournament, scoring 2 goals with one assist in the finals alone.
“The first time I played soccer I was probably about maybe 5 years old, and it was on these very fields, and just felt like there was a passion here to keep going.”
(Holzwarth was referring to the fields in Rapid City where she began her soccer journey with Black Hills Rapids.)
About the NPL Finals
Managed by US Club Soccer, the National Premier Leagues Finals serve as the annual championship event for top-performing teams across all 18 regional NPL member leagues. Now in its 13th year, the 2025 edition saw record participation and competitive expansion, including the addition of Gold and Black divisions across multiple age groups.
The Black Hills Rapids’ victory in the U19 Girls Gold Division marks not only a historic achievement for the club but also a defining moment for youth soccer in South Dakota.
About Black Hills Rapids Soccer Club
Founded in 2014 through the merger of Rapid City Youth Soccer League and Rushmore Soccer Club, Black Hills Rapids SC is an official affiliate of the Colorado Rapids through the Rapids adidas Alliance. The club provides a full developmental pathway for youth players— from recreational soccer to national competition and collegiate recruitment. With a focus on technical excellence, tactical intelligence, and character-driven coaching, Black Hills Rapids is recognized as a leader in player development in the Mountain West region.
For more information, visit www.blackhillsrapids.com or follow @BHRapids on social media.
