Director of Coaching James Blankenship became part of Rush in 2025, most recently guiding our Buffalo 2008/09 Girls team to an unbeaten first-place finish in GLA. Since taking the helm of Niagara University's women's soccer team in 2015, James has turned the program around from last place to regular top-third finishes, significantly enhancing recruitment efforts for the D1 program.

In 2019, James successfully steered the Nagara Wheatfield HS JV program to an outstanding 14-1-0 record and played a key role in leading the Varsity team to numerous Niagara Frontier League championships, culminating in a Section 6 Championship in 2020. He possesses USSF Licenses, is a qualified grade 8 Referee, and has earned certifications as a Referee Assignor. His leadership experience encompasses roles as President, Referee Assignor, and Risk Manager for Northtowns Soccer Club, as well as serving as registrar for the NWAA Soccer Club. James’s dedication to inclusive development is exemplified through his volunteer efforts with TopSoccer, which advocates for children with disabilities. He adopts a structured, player-centered methodology that artfully combines technical skill with a profound dedication to growth and community involvement.