Following a successful collegiate career at Seattle University and University of Washington, Peter Kingston’s sights were set on continuing his soccer journey at the professional level. After conversations with a few MLS clubs, he felt confident he was going to be selected in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft.
But, as he kept refreshing his computer on draft day, his name never showed up on his screen. By the time the last pick came in, he was left without a team.
A day that initially felt like he could achieve his childhood dream ended in uncertainty, leaving him contemplating walking away from the game altogether.
“You always have this one thought, of what if you don't get drafted, then what's next, right? And then there was a time, during that [period], I [told my] mom I might even join the military, because one of my friends was in the military, and he just talked about being a part of a team, and what that experience was like for him. My whole life, all I [knew] was just being a part of a team.”
He quickly realized, however, that his soccer endeavors weren't finished.
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Instead of dwelling about the results of the draft, he took action. On the day his career came to a halt, and in the days following, he went to Robinswood Community Park with his friend, Ruben, to train and clean up his touches. He then called Sounders FC Director of Development Wade Webber for a trial with Tacoma Defiance. Webber took a chance on him, despite voicing there might not be a spot for him in the future with the First Team.
Kingston took the leap anyway — betting on himself every time.
“It's not what you want to hear when someone tells you, ‘Oh, there might not be a pathway for you,’ right? But also taking into consideration, I was 23 at the time, and by the time you're 24 years old, you occupy a Senior roster spot. So, it's going to be difficult, and it's not just going to be given to me,” said Kingston. “So, every day I was showing up as if for my last day, because I owe it to my family who put a lot of time and support into what I've been trying to do and the dreams that I've been trying to accomplish.”
He continued: “The day I went undrafted, it was tough, but it taught me a lot about myself, and it didn't break me as a person. It just helped me grow in courage and strength and confidence and just build discipline into the person I am today.”
Less than 18 months later, his never-give-up attitude and willingness to get better every day came to fruition with the opportunity to sign with the Seattle Sounders — the club he grew up idolizing.
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After a strong year with Defiance and continued growth within the organization, including stepping into the starting lineup in Seattle’s 1-0 road win over San Jose on March 15 and contributing two assists in their 2-1 Concacaf Champions Cup victory over Vancouver on March 18, the Kirkland native earned a contract with his boyhood club through the 2026 season, with options for 2027 and 2028.
“Peter has the exact makeup of what we look for in players for our whole organization,” said Sporting Director Sean Henderson. “[From] Academy, Second Team, First Team… his mentality, his effort, his growth mindset, all of those are as good as it gets with Peter.”
Kingston reinforced those qualities to Head Coach Brian Schmetzer and General Manager Craig Waibel on the day they relayed the news of his next chapter at the club.
“I just told them that I was gonna do whatever it took to be a part of this winning culture and contribute in any way that I can,” he said.
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This shouldn’t be a problem for the 24-year-old, who’s been a winner at every stage of his soccer career. At the Academy level, he won a U.S. Soccer Development Academy U-16/17 National Championship, a Generation adidas Cup, and a Youdan Trophy. During his collegiate years, he guided Seattle U to a Western Athletic Conference Tournament title. He led Ballard FC to a USL League 2 National Championship, two Northwest Division titles, and a Western Conference Championship over the course of three seasons — all while being honored as the USL 2 MVP following his game-winner in the 2023 finals. Upon his return to the Sounders organization, his winning mentality was present in 29 of his appearances with Defiance, earning opportunities to guest with the First Team on three different occasions.
And while he took the road less traveled than former Academy products like Obed Vargas, Josh Atencio or Reed Baker-Whiting, who began their First Team endeavors as teenagers, it was the right path for him to reach the big leagues.
“Peter's a player that came to us when he was pretty young. I think he was maybe 13, 14, so he's been at every phase of our club, and he's been with us for a long time, 10, 11 years,” said Henderson. “He's somebody that has had to work his way up through the system, and he even went away, [for college], and then came back. And so it's another example of just multiple pathways to the first team.”
Kingston summed up his path to pro simply.
“There were a lot of guys that I grew up playing with that ended up signing before me, and some of them don't even play soccer anymore,” said Kingston. “So, it's not about where you start, it's about where you finish.”
