Seattle’s sports success is here to stay, as youth across all teams inspires hope that should transcend into the future
By Charles Hamaker
Seattle, WA – With the Mariners making the postseason for the first time in 20+ years and the Seahawks reaching the playoffs in a year they were largely cast off, mainstream media and casual Seattle sports fans largely stated that the city was in a sort of sports renaissance. It’s true, but not for those two teams since if you zoom out of the narrow scope of those teams, five of Seattle’s now eight professional sports teams reached the postseason in the 2022-23 seasons and a sixth potentially joining them. In total; the Seahawks, Mariners, Storm, Reign, and Seawolves all reached their respective playoffs while the Kraken very well reach the NHL postseason in only their second season. It’s a great time for this city's sports, and there is young talent scattered around all those teams. Here are ten of those talented young players, with some honorable mentions.
OL Reign players
Angelina: Midfielder Angelina provided some exciting spark to the Reign lineup when healthy in 2022, but an unfortunate injury while away with the Brazilian national team knocked her season off the rails. Angelina is in a unique spot because she can play all sorts of areas on the field, and so she doesn’t have a true defined “position” while playing for the Reign. While we are currently in the NWSL preseason and Angelina has not yet been cleared to return, she’s given positive progress reports and it seems that she may be good to go at least for the early portion of the season. She’s a player to keep an eye on for this roster that does have plenty of accomplished veterans, but also a few enticing younger talents.
2022 stats (only played in 8 games): 1 goal, 2 assists, 7 shots, 1 assist, 77.5% passing, 2 clearances, 5 interceptions.
Angelina looks to send a pass upfield (Photo by Jane Gershovich)
Jordyn Huitema: Forward Jordyn Huitema is a very exciting young player acquired at the mid-season point for the Reign, coming off some time spent with Paris Saint-Germain. Huitema was looking for more playing time opportunity and ended up in the United States with Laura Harvey’s side. While it seemed to take her a few matches to get really settled in with the club, which is expected for anybody trying to join a club midway through their season, Huitema seemed to start to click as the regular season was ending. A feature on the Canadian national team, Huitema is a very exciting forward that very well could explode onto the scene in 2023 for the Reign and be a big part of their offense with an offseason to be with the club. Acquiring her during the season was a big deal for the season she was currently taking part in, but also years to come.
2022 stats (Only played in 11 games for Reign): 2 goals, 2 assists, 22 shots, 72.9% passing, 5 clearances, 1 block, 5 interceptions.
Jordyn Huitema hits the turf against Orlando (Photo by Liz Lyons)
Olivia Van Der Jagt: Midfielder Olivia Van Der Jagt, nicknamed Olo, had a wild season after being drafted by the Reign out of the University of Washington. In speaking with Olo prior to the start of the regular season, the former Husky mentioned wanting to just soak up the lessons that the season and league may give her while being in a great spot to learn from midfielders such as Jess Fishlock and Rose Lavelle. She was able to make an immediate impact, scoring a match winning header just a few games into the season. Olo’s ability to distribute through the midfield all while learning under accomplished veterans like Fishlock and Lavelle makes her another key player to note as the Reign organization continues with the OGs in their “last few years.”
2022 stats: 1 goal, 1 assist, 9 shots, 72.1% passing, 25 clearances, 3 blocks, 14 interceptions
Olivia Van Der Jagt looks to make a pass against the Houston Dash (Photo by Liz Wolter)
Seattle Kraken
Matty Beniers: Kraken centerman Matty Beniers is well on his way to winning the NHL’s “Calder Memorial Trophy,” awarded to the rookie of the year in the league. While Beniers did participate in a handful of games last season (totaling nine points in ten games), it wasn’t enough to hit the threshold that burns his first contract year, so this is technically his “rookie year,” and man is he making the most of it. While Matty has slowed down a little bit points wise from the first third or so of the season, Beniers continues to lead all rookies in points and near the top in goal scoring. Beniers continues to show wisdom and ability beyond his years, a work ethic like no other, all while popping up from big hits in a snap. Seattle’s first ever draft pick in their franchise history, Beniers has lived up to the hype and seemingly gets better each time that he hits the ice, all while maintaining his young personality (texting the team group chat far more often than his teammates) and embracing being a 20-year-old. With Beniers and Shane Wright centering the Kraken for years (and hopefully decades) to come, Seattle should be in some damn good hands as a franchise set up to win into the future.
2022-23 stats (will be updated after this article goes live): 19 goals, 26 assists, 45 assists, 7 +/-, 3 game winning goals, 113 shots
Matty Beniers celebrates his game opening goal against the Boston Bruins (Photo by Liv Lyons)
Eeli Tolvanen: Tolvanen is an interesting addition to this list, but considering his age and the contributions that he has been able to make to this team, I had to add him to this piece. Tolvanen was picked up off waivers from the Nashville Predators, as Nashville didn’t even believe that anyone was going to take a flyer on the heavy shooting forward. General manager and Ron Francis did, and Nashville was left stunned. Tolvanen was a healthy scratch for a bit, but since his insertion into the lineup on January 1st when the Kraken hosted the Islanders, he hasn’t looked back. Tolvanen scored in his debut that day, and to this point (March 2nd as the third period of the game vs Detroit is ending) has racked up 18 points through 26 games as a Kraken, only putting up four points in 13 for the Predators. Tolvanen provides more than just his Mjolnir-level (Thor’s hammer) shot, as he’s been a helpful piece as a defender when he’s on the ice, part of his mismanagement in Nashville. Only 23-years-old and under team control through the 2023-24 season, Tolvanen very well may have found a home in Seattle.
2022-23 stats (will be updated after this article goes live): 12 goals, 12 assists, 24 points, 1 +/-, 3 game winning goals, 82 shots
Eeli Tolvanen during the 2023 Seattle Kraken Super Skills Showcase (Photo by Liv Lyons)
Seattle Seahawks
Kenneth Walker III: Ken Walker was a pick that I was wrong about when it happened during the NFL Draft, as I was sick of the Seahawks taking areas of “lower need” with their selections in the first few rounds. Walker took my poor assumption and ran right through it like he did with NFL defenses this past season, romping to an offensive rookie of the year nomination where he got the most first place votes, but fell in voting to Garrett Wilson. The 2021 Doak Walker award winner and Michigan State alum had a rocky start to the season as he battled an injury, but once he found his stride looked as dangerous as any back in football. With the coveted combination of speed and power, Walker expertly complimented the Seahawks passing offense and probably should have taken home the offensive rookie of the year award. With a full offseason to get acclimated with the team, and doing so while healthy, Walker should be able to establish himself as the top runner in a backfield that’s somewhat crowded, with Rashaad Penny returning to the fray.
2022-23 stats: 228 rushing attempts, 1,050 rushing yards, 9 rushing touchdowns, 27 catches, 165 receiving yards
Kenneth Walker III looks to shake off a tackle against the Jets (Photo by Lindsey Wasson)
Tariq Woolen: Tariq Woolen wasn’t supposed to make the impact that he did in his first year with Seattle, often looked at as a “project corner” that needed more time to properly step into the cornerback role. Having spent only his last two years at UTSA as a cornerback, transitioning from wide receiver, Woolen was viewed as the perfect raw Seahawks cornerback due to his size and speed at the defensive back position. Woolen was able to battle his way into a starting spot early, struggling against the Broncos before getting his name on the stat sheet with a blocked kick return for a touchdown as Seattle’s only touchdown in that ugly loss to the 49ers. From there, Woolen skyrocketed in the first half of the season, particularly with his pick-six against the Detroit Lions. Ending the year tied for the league lead in interceptions, as a rookie that wasn’t even supposed to start, among other things projects extremely well for the corner and showcases how impressive that Seattle draft class was.
2022-23 stats: 49 solo tackles, 63 total tackles, 6 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries, 16 pass deflections, 1 touchdown, 1 kick block
Tariq Woolen against the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Christopher Mast)
Seattle Mariners
Julio Rodriguez: What can’t you say about Julio Rodriguez? The fun loving, homerun mashing, web gem making outfielder from the Dominican Republic is now only 22 years old and has essentially all of the potential in the world. That last note is precisely why the organization gave “JROD” the potentially record setting contract at a base start at seven years and can stretch until the 2039 season. It’s a lot of time and Julio can earn a lot of money based on clauses, but considering what the city saw from him in his rookie year and looking at how the organization has bungled future stars before? It makes total sense, and if everything goes right, the contract will be well earned. Rodriguez smashed homers, snagged bases, created a “no fly zone” in centerfield and much more in 2022 for a Mariners team that was not only a lot of fun but made the postseason for the first time in 20+ years. His ceiling is like that of a skyscraper, as there is so much time for the Dominican Republic superstar to learn and grow as he’s just now heading into his second season in Major League Baseball. With proper treatment and management, keeping Julio healthy is the prime factor in a potentially-MVP level season. The bright smile, exciting plays in the outfield, and thumper of a bat are staying in Seattle for nearly a decade at minimum.
2022 stats: 145 hits, 84 runs, 28 homers, 75 RBI, 25 stolen bases, 40 walks, .284 batting average, .345 on base percentage, .854 on base plus slugging, .984 fielding percentage
All-Star, AL Rookie of the year, Silver Slugger award, All-MLB Second team
Julio Rodriguez celebrates a homer against the Texas Rangers (Photo by Mathew Bermudez)
Seattle Seawolves
Tavite Lopeti: The third overall draft selection by Seattle in the 2021 MLR draft, Lopeti has been coveted by the Seawolves organization and head coach Allen Clarke since that moment. A player that has contributed to Team USA rugby already, Lopeti is in an excellent position to learn from multiple notable rugby players on this team, looking to grow and soak up knowledge for years to come. Despite being only 23 years old, Lopeti started 15 of Seattle’s 16 competitions last season and scoring 5 tries, making 142 tackles in those outings. He did suffer an injury in the later part of the season, which hurt his chances to help his team potentially secure a third MLR title once the postseason came around. On a Seawolves team now that sits at 3-0 (at the time of this publishing) with young and veteran talent mixed throughout, Lopeti can both help his team win now while gaining knowledge for the future all at the same time for one of if not the best organization in MLR.
Tavite Lopeti carries the ball (Photo via Seattle Seawolves)
Seattle Sounders
Obed Vargas: Vargas has gained lots of interest from around the MLS and even the USMNT, all while not even hitting the age of 18 yet. The 16-year-old midfielder suffered a back injury early in the 2022 season, cutting his campaign short. That wasn’t before he thoroughly impressed the Sounders and their fans however, and he adds another interesting wrinkle to Seattle’s midfield that already features Joao Paulo, Albert Rusnak, and Nico Lodeiro. Like Lopeti in that last segment, Vargas has the incredible opportunity to help his team win matches NOW while also having the outstanding chance to soak up knowledge from accomplished veterans. While he continues to recover from a quad injury (at the time of this publishing), Vargas will surely make an immediate impact for the club when he’s made available for selection as Seattle looks to manage veteran's workloads throughout the course of the season. There have already been rumors of clubs having interest in Vargas and a possible USMNT future, so it’s safe to say things look good for the 16-year-old.
2022 stats (only played in 16 matches): 10 chances created, 20 clearances, 11 interceptions
Obed Vargas looks to make a cross against Inter Miami (Photo by Mike Fiechtner)
Those who just didn’t make the cut
A year below
Seattle Seahawks: Charles Cross
Charles Cross was on the first draft of this list, but sadly for all my offensive line fans out there (sorry guys), I had to add other representatives from different teams onto the finalized list. Cross hasn’t done anything wrong necessarily, helping bookend the Seahawks offensive line in his rookie season and ideally holding that spot blocking a Seattle quarterbacks' blindside for years to come. Cross was Seattle’s highest draft pick in years, and while some thought the Hawks may take a skill position player, they would’ve been wrong then and now. Cross had many more positives than negatives in 2022 and should only get better and better as his career progresses.
Seattle Sounders: Dylan Teves
Teves very well could make this list next year, but because he featured in very, very limited minutes this past season, there’s no justifying putting him on. He has shown some solid flashes in the minutes that he did get with the first team, and his senior year at the University of Washington was electric, but getting more from him either at the MLS Next Pro level or finding ways to integrate him into the first team are what it will take to get him in the top ten.
Dylan Teves high fives some fans prior to a match vs Real Salt Lake (Photo by Liz Wolter)
Seattle Sounders: Leo Chu
The young Brazilian attacker has been a polarizing player for many in the Rave Green fandom and has drawn some mild criticism from Schmetzer and the staff, note that I said minor. Compared to that minor note, there have been more positive notes about Chu than the other kind, but it is an important season for him. In the first two matches for the Sounders this season (to this point) Chu has gotten minutes as a substitute and has shown some solid flashes in a match against Colorado to open the season. With the team looking to manage the workloads of their veterans, it’ll be important that Chu does well in his minutes to make an impact in his technical third year with the club.
Leo Chu brings the ball up the field against the Colorado Rapids in 2023 (Photo by Bryan Saldana)
Seattle Kraken: Shane Wright
Shaner doesn’t make the top ten simply because how hard it was to just pick ten people to fit into the box, and lost out in favor of those who are already contributing to their clubs. While many expected Wright that contribute to the franchise right off the bat, perhaps due to the hype and excitement around the kid, it makes sense that he hasn’t this season given the teams success and how much depth the Kraken have. Wright will have his time with the Kraken, and it may come next year so he could crack the list if we look at it again next season. He’s contributing to the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL currently, and has immense potential. While some worry about the possibility of him being a “bust,” I say that talk is far too early. Give Shaner a break, for christs sake.
Shane Wright celebrates his first career NHL goal, against the Montreal Canadiens, with teammate Vince Dunn (photo by Liv Lyons)
A year above
Seattle Seahawks: Abraham Lucas
Similar notes for Lucas that we gave to Cross, the tackle that hails from Everett and attended University at Washington State was yet another bright spot in Seattle’s 2022 draft class. With Lucas and Cross bookending the Seattle line, Geno Smith was able to have a career year for the Seahawks and win Comeback Player of the Year. The offensive line had its respective struggles, but the tackles were a clear bright spot, and they were both ROOKIES. It’s clear that Seattle has two solid ends on the offensive line, and they should only get better.
Seattle Seahawks: Boye Mafe
Seattle Mariners: Matt Brash, Andres Munoz
Seattle Kraken: Morgan Geekie
Seattle Kraken: Cale Fleury
Fleury has shown positive flashes in 2023 while teammate Justin Schultz has been out with injury, but the younger of the Fleury brothers simply has not shown enough in his time with the Kraken to warrant a spot in the top ten. That could change if he continues his play and adds to it, but he steps out of the starting lineup as soon as Schultz returns.
Cale Fleury looks up the ice to make a pass against the Colorado Avalanche (Photo by Liv Lyons)
At the same age but didn’t make the top ten
Seattle Seahawks: Coby Bryant
Seattle Mariners: Jarred Kelenic
I’ve talked a long time about my belief in Jarred Kelenic, and I still have that belief. Do not take this exclusion from the design as a slight at all, because I’ve long documented voiced my support for the outfielder from Waukesha, Wisconsin. The outfielder has really flashed this Spring Training, and it looks like things might finally all be coming together for the 23-year-old in his third or so year at the big-league level with the Mariners. It’s obvious that the true issue is that Kelenic has is the overthinking aspect of things, present in his changing swing throughout the course of the last two seasons. His drive to want to get better is there, his raw power and athleticism is there, and he’s a solid fielder. Outside of saying he looks like he’s trying too hard, how can you not like Kelenic?
Jarred Kelenic in the 2023 ALDS against the Houston Astros (Photo by Liv Lyons)
Seattle Storm: Ezi Magbegor
The only reason that Ezi Magbegor didn’t get included in the top ten is that while she isn’t an unrestricted free agent, the “free agent” part of restricted free agent part still poses some caution in me. Obviously, when Magbegor was getting starting minutes, she was a huge contributor to Seattle and was well on her way to being the most improved player in all the WNBA. The Storm acquiring Tina Charles was good for the team, but hindered Magbegor’s ability to continue to flourish. Seattle must bring her back next season, and the starting center spot should be hers.
Ezi Magbegor practices a free throw before a 2023 playoff matchup against the Las Vegas Aces (Photo by Mathew Bermudez)
Seattle Sounders: Jackson Ragen
OL Reign: Olivia Athens
Reflection
This article without the last segment about who barely missed the cut is already a huge indication of the sort of success that this city's sports teams should see as these next year's continue. While these are team sports and a few players here and there are not the end all be all, this group shows contributors and multiple teams. With five of the now eight professional sports teams making their respective playoffs in the span of 2022-2023, the Sounders winning CCL, the Kraken well on their way to making the playoffs this year, and the SeaDragons picked as one of the potential contenders for the XFL title, Seattle is ALREADY in great shape.
It isn’t yet “title town” levels of success, as the last team to win a league title was the Storm back in 2020 (also, the cities leader in league championships at four), but it’s safe to say that things are going well here in Western Washington. While the spotlight from the mainstream media has been on the trio of Beniers-Rodriguez-Woolen, it is important to highlight the other 23-and-under here that have already made huge impacts on their respective teams or will soon. Safe to say, the youth are our future. And we all get a front row seat to the incredible show that they’re going to put on.