Decatur High School alumni Elias Katsaros has just signed a contract with the Tacoma Defiance, the MLS Next Pro affiliate with the Seattle Sounders.

Katsaros is the fifth Washingtonian on the club roster and is one of two players from King County. Katsaros was born in Germany in 2002 and lived there until he was 7 years old. he said soccer has always been a part of his life. Once he moved back to the U.S., he continued playing.

He bounced around from what is now Highline Premier Football Club to PAC Northwest and eventually tried out for the Sounders academy when he was 12. He played with the Academy until he graduated from high school.

Once high school was finished Katsaros said he knew he wanted to play college soccer.

“When I was younger, I didn’t feel like I was the best yet,” he said. He spent the next three seasons at San Diego State University (SDSU), which was where he says he hit his stride. “I had the most development in my life while playing at SDSU.”

With Division 1 level experience on his resume, Katsaros said he has a better chance at playing overseas than ever before.

That time will have to wait. Katsaros’ deal with the Sounders was due in part to his previous history with the club and his results as an Aztec in San Diego.

“He’s shown continual improvement that was only furthered during his time and success at San Diego State University. We are excited to see his development and growth as a player and person within the Sounders organization,” said Henry Brauner, Sounders FC vice president of player development, about Katsaros’ signing.

Katsaros echoed that message. This new opportunity was earned through his performance over time with the Aztecs. “I had to put the work in and show them I wanted it,” he said.

Not only did Katsaros score his first goals of his collegiate career, but also was awarded some accolades as well. During the week of Sept. 7-14 Katsaros was awarded the United Soccer Coaches National Player of the Week, Pac-12 Player of the Week, Top Drawer Soccer National Team of the Week, College Soccer News National Team of the Week & Soccer America’s “Three Stars of the Week.”

Prior to then, Katsaros didn’t travel with the team for a two-game road trip to Omaha, Nebraska, due to grade issues. “I had to show them I belonged,” he said.

During that week in September, he scored three goals in two games and helped take down the No. 6 team in the country (Denver University). ““It was one of the best times of my life,” he said. “It was a great feeling.”

When he considered signing the contract, Katsaros had a range of emotions.“I was scared and nervous honestly. It was a big step for me,” he said.

The thought of putting on the green and blue is something that Katsaros said he has dreamed of.

“Wearing that badge, playing in front of friends and family would mean the world to me.”

Photo Provided by Elias Katsaros