UPrep graduate Jackson Ragen is in a league of his own by making the jump from Dahl to the bright lights of Lumen Field. As a Seattle native, the Sounders starter has many fans from the local community.
“My parents, my grandma, and a bunch of friends, actually from UPrep growing up, come to a lot of my games, which is very special,” Ragen said. “It adds a little more motivation to do well and help the team win, but ultimately, when you are on the field, you don’t really think about stuff on the sideline. But in the back of my mind, I know I have a bunch of support.”
Ragen graduated in 2017 and played three seasons on the varsity soccer team. They were highly successful, making the state finals one year and the semi-finals another. He was coached by English teacher Alex Duxbury and PE teacher Nate Whitney, who continue to keep in contact with him.
“Dux and Coach Whitney have been my biggest mentors. They text me a lot after games and I know Nate still comes to a lot of Sounders games which is really fun,” Ragen said. “ I think having that support system while I was there but also after I left is nice.”
Ragen learned valuable lessons while he played for the Pumas.
“On the soccer team, I felt like I was a leader there and I am trying to do that now as my role grows on the team with the sounders,” Ragen said.
After joining the Sounders Academy for his senior year, Ragen practiced with the first team when he was 18. In college, he starred for the Michigan Wolverines, winning Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year in his final season in 2021. In January, he was called up to the United States national team training camp. However, he suffered an injury that forced him to leave early.
“It was an awesome experience,” Ragen said. “Just being there and getting a taste of it gives me motivation to work harder and get back there.”
While enjoying life in Seattle, he does not rule out joining a club abroad in the future.
“I would be very happy to keep playing here,” Ragen said. “I also think if other things arose like the chance to play in Europe, depending on the situation, I could see myself going there.”
However, Ragen appreciates the opportunity to play for his local club.
“It’s awesome. I have so many family and friends here, which is incredible,” Ragen said. “It’s super hard to make it professional in any sport, but to make it pro and also play for your hometown team is just super unique.”
