PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC announced on Tuesday it had signed forward Gunnar Studenhofft to a multi-year contract ahead of the 2026 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

A native of the Cayman Islands, Studenhofft joins Rising having played his first season in the professional ranks with Huntsville City FC of MLS NEXT Pro. The 23-year-old recorded five goals in 936 minutes for the side while recording 16 shots on target, making 22 appearances overall in the campaign.

“[Studenhofft] is a great character,” said Rising Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah. “He is a physical and hardworking striker who likes to run in behind, combine with his teammates and live inside the box.”

Studenhofft had previously been selected with the No. 60 pick of the 2024 Major League Soccer SuperDraft by the Colorado Rapids before signing with Huntsville City off the back off a stellar college career at both Manhattan University and the University of South Florida. He earned All-American Athletic Conference Second Team honors in his senior season for USF after recording four goals and two assists in 12 appearances for the Bulls.

“What excites me most is developing into the best player I can be under this staff and helping the team win titles,” said Studenhofft. “I believe this coaching staff can help me achieve that goal. They are passionate, aggressive and hungry, qualities that attracted me [to Phoenix] and made the decision a no-brainer.”

The 6-foot-3 forward has also represented the Cayman Islands on the international stage. He has appeared for the nation’s U-15, U-17 and U-19 teams before being called up to the senior national team where he has scored two goals in six career caps.