From Benchwarmer to Block Party: How S. Hawkins (#39) Turned Seattle’s Defense Into a No-Goal Dance Floor
So, you keep hearing about S. Hawkins and wonder why his name pops up so often with Seattle Sounders FC. Stuart Hawkins is a young defender wearing #39 for the Sounders—a homegrown talent who signed his first-team contract back in 2023 after working his way up through the club’s academy and Tacoma Defiance. He’s only 18, but he already shows the kind of poise and maturity that make people pay attention in Major League Soccer.
He grew up in Fox Island, Washington, and stuck with the Sounders system from the start. At 12, he joined the academy, later grabbed MVP honors at the 2022 U-17 Generation Adidas Cup, and even wore the U.S. shirt at both U-16 and U-17 levels. That’s not a sudden rise—it’s a steady climb, and it says a lot about his discipline and what he might become.
When Hawkins steps onto the pitch, you can’t help but notice his calmness on the ball and the way he reads the game. He doesn’t just fill a spot; he fights for it, and that’s why every minute he gets with the first team feels significant.
As you look at his profile, career steps, and international moments, you’ll see how his steady development fits into Seattle’s bigger plans.
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Profile of S. Hawkins
He’s a young defender who’s climbed through the Seattle Sounders system with real consistency. His journey shows a clear commitment to growth, a defined job on the field, and some traits that really shape his style.
Background and Early Life
Stuart Hawkins grew up in Fox Island, Washington, and started playing young. By 12, he joined the Sounders Discovery Program, which put him right into the club’s development path.
He moved into the Sounders Academy, and his play started turning heads. In 2022, he picked up Most Valuable Player at the U-17 Generation Adidas Cup, which Seattle won over Tigres UNAL.
He also earned MLS NEXT All-Star honors twice, in 2022 and 2023.
Before his pro deal, Hawkins played for Tacoma Defiance, Seattle’s MLS NEXT Pro squad. He stood out at center back, playing all 90 minutes in both playoff games in 2023.
On the international side, he’s represented the United States at U-16 and U-17 levels. He started three matches at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia, which gave him some serious experience.
Unlike a lot of players, Hawkins skipped college to focus on his pro career. That move kept him in Seattle’s system, where he keeps growing.
Jersey Number and Position
Hawkins lines up as a center back and wears 39 for Seattle Sounders FC. His job is all about defensive stability, good positioning, and winning balls in the air.
He signed a homegrown contract through 2026, with club options for 2027 and 2028. That contract shows Seattle sees him as a long-term piece for their defense.
In 2024, he played in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and for Tacoma Defiance. He also got MLS minutes when injuries hit, including a clean sheet in a 1-0 win over San Diego FC.
Career Appearances (as of 2024):
| Team | Matches | Goals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Sounders | 2 | 0 | U.S. Open Cup starts |
| Tacoma Defiance | 22 | 1 | Scored vs Austin FC II opener |
| U.S. U-17 National | 4 | 0 | 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup |
Physical Attributes
At 18, Hawkins is still growing into his center back frame. He stands out more for reading the game and winning aerial duels than for raw speed.
Transfermarkt lists his market value at €175k. That number reflects both his current level and the upside people see in him.
You’ll probably notice his strength in positioning and anticipation. Those skills let him cover space and help organize the back line.
Physically, he’s still developing, but he’s already shown he can handle a heavy workload. In Tacoma’s 2023 season, he started 20 of 22 matches and played every minute in the playoffs.
For a young center back, those minutes mean a lot. They give him a base to adjust to MLS’s speed and physicality.
Role at Seattle Sounders FC
Stuart Hawkins is starting to carve out a spot in Seattle’s back line. He’s shown steady growth since signing his Homegrown deal.
His progress shows both the coaching staff’s trust and the need for depth at center back.
First Team Integration
When Hawkins steps into the Sounders lineup, you notice his calmness, especially for someone who just left the Academy. He signed at 16 and has split minutes between Tacoma Defiance and the First Team—a path Seattle uses to speed up development.
Seattle locked him into a contract through 2026, with options for 2027 and 2028. That’s a big statement for a center back his age.
The staff manages his transition closely. He trains regularly with the senior squad and learns from veterans like Stefan Frei and Yeimar Gómez. The coaches value those daily training sessions as much as actual games.
Hawkins went to Bellarmine Preparatory School before fully joining the Sounders Academy, where he stood out at the Generation Adidas Cup. That background gave him leadership experience and the confidence to handle tough moments.
Key Development Points
- Signed Homegrown deal at 16
- Balances Tacoma Defiance and First Team duties
- Contract runs through 2026, options for 2027–28
Squad Dynamics
Hawkins isn’t a locked-in starter yet, but his presence changes Seattle’s depth chart. The Sounders usually lean on Yeimar and Jackson Ragen as the top pairing, but Hawkins steps in when they need to rotate or deal with injuries.
His role lets Brian Schmetzer manage minutes better. Instead of pushing the senior defenders too hard, Hawkins can fill in for certain matchups, giving the team some flexibility.
He brings a different look, too. At 6’1”, Hawkins mixes aerial ability with calm passing. He’s not as physically dominant as Yeimar, but he offers balance when paired with a bigger partner.
Squad Role Overview
| Player | Role | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Yeimar Gómez | Starting CB | Strength, aerial duels |
| Jackson Ragen | Starting CB | Passing range, positioning |
| Stuart Hawkins | Depth/rotation CB | Composure, development |
Key Partnerships
For a young defender, partnerships really matter. Hawkins has already shown chemistry with Jackson Ragen, whose calm passing pairs well with Hawkins’ positioning. Playing with Ragen lets Hawkins focus on his defensive reads instead of worrying about building out from the back.
When he partners with Yeimar, the dynamic shifts. Yeimar’s physical style covers a lot of ground, giving Hawkins space to settle into plays. That balance brings stability, especially against teams that like to go aerial.
Hawkins learns a lot from these combinations. With Ragen, it’s about timing and ball movement. With Yeimar, it’s more about physical play and recovering defensively.
Those partnerships keep growing off the field, too. Training with veterans gives Hawkins daily lessons in communication, spacing, and leadership. Those sessions are shaping how he adapts to different tactical setups.
Notable Pairings
- With Ragen: Positioning and passing rhythm
- With Yeimar: Physical battles and aerial control
- With Tacoma Defiance teammates: Extra minutes and confidence building
Professional Career Progression
You can track Stuart Hawkins’ path from the Sounders Academy to the First Team by looking at his steady growth, reliable performances, and ability to adjust at every level. His time with Tacoma Defiance, his MLS NEXT Pro achievements, and his eventual jump to the pros highlight the steps he took to earn his contract.
Tacoma Defiance Experience
Hawkins first played for Tacoma Defiance in 2022, joining after moving up from the Sounders Academy. At just 15, he made his debut and showed composure beyond his years.
By 2023, he became a regular starter, logging 20 appearances and 18 starts. He even scored in a 2-1 win over Colorado Rapids 2.
Those games let him face older, tougher opponents and sharpen his defensive instincts.
Hawkins’ job in Tacoma’s defense wasn’t just about stopping shots. He led the team in interceptions with 25 and won over half his duels. That mix of positioning and timing helped him stand out in a league designed for young players trying to bridge the gap to MLS.
MLS NEXT Pro Milestones
In MLS NEXT Pro, Hawkins’ growth shows up in his consistent play and the recognition he’s earned. He made the MLS NEXT All-Star Game in both 2022 and 2023, which is rare for a defender his age.
The 2022 U-17 Generation Adidas Cup was his breakout. Hawkins won MVP while leading the Sounders Academy to the title. Performances like that proved he could impact games at the highest youth levels.
Here’s a quick look at his early MLS NEXT Pro numbers with Tacoma Defiance:
| Season | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Interceptions | Duel Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 4 | 2 | 0 | N/A | N/A |
| 2023 | 20 | 18 | 1 | 25 | 54.5% |
Those stats show how quickly he became a reliable presence, not just a prospect filling a spot.
Promotion to First Team
Seattle signed Hawkins to a Homegrown contract in September 2023, keeping him through 2026 with options for 2027 and 2028. That made him the 23rd Homegrown player in club history and one of the youngest defenders to get a deal.
The signing felt like the obvious next move after almost two full seasons with Tacoma. His ability to read the game, win duels, and help in possession convinced the Sounders’ staff he was ready.
Hawkins joined a roster with other Homegrown players, so he’s got a support system of teammates who’ve taken the same path. His promotion also shows Seattle’s commitment to developing talent from within—a model that’s produced guys like Jordan Morris and Obed Vargas.
Born in Fox Island, Washington, and a Sounders Academy grad, Hawkins skipped college and went straight to the pros. That move showed the club really believes in his long-term potential at center back.
You can check out more about his career on his Seattle Sounders FC player profile and his MLS contract info.
International Experience
You really see a player’s growth when he steps into international competition. Stuart Hawkins has gone up against top youth players from around the world, racking up minutes with U.S. youth national teams and testing himself on the global stage in Indonesia.
Youth National Team Representation
Hawkins got regular call-ups to the U.S. youth national teams, starting with the U-16s, then the U-17s, and later the U-19s. That steady climb says a lot about his progress at each age.
You can see his development in how often he appeared for those squads. At the Concacaf U-20 Championship in Mexico, he played four matches, including coming off the bench in the final against Mexico.
The U.S. finished second there, but Hawkins picked up some valuable experience.
As a Seattle Sounders defender, he joined camps in Florida and South America, training alongside other top American prospects. Those trips helped him sharpen his positional sense and decision-making.
Key Highlights:
- First U.S. call-up: U-16s
- Competed at U-17 and U-19 levels
- Four appearances at Concacaf U-20 Championship
2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia
Hawkins played in the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia. He represented the United States in four matches during the tournament.
You could see him deal with pressure against international opponents, adjusting to new tactical challenges. As a center back, he had to communicate clearly and hold his position, especially against quick attackers.
Playing in Indonesia gave him a taste of high-stakes matches and a different climate, which really tested his focus and fitness.
Tournament Overview:
- Location: Indonesia
- Appearances: 4 matches
- Position: Center Back
Group A Matches and Performance
The United States landed in Group A, going up against Indonesia, Ecuador, and Panama. Hawkins played a big part in the defense for each game, helping the team get through a tough group.
His minutes mattered, even if the results didn’t always go the team’s way. He tracked runners well and won plenty of aerial duels.
Group A Results (USA):
| Opponent | Result | Hawkins Role |
|---|---|---|
| Ecuador | Loss | Started, full 90 |
| Indonesia | Win | Played key minutes |
| Panama | Draw | Substitution role |
These games helped build his reputation as a young defender who can handle international competition while still developing with the Sounders.
Achievements and Honors
Stuart Hawkins’ rise shows up in the awards and milestones he’s collected, from youth soccer all the way to the Sounders’ first team. His recognition at the academy level, national showcases, and early senior appearances all point to his talent and steady growth.
U-17 Generation Adidas Cup MVP
Hawkins took home Most Valuable Player honors at the 2022 U-17 Generation Adidas Cup. That tournament brought together top academy teams from MLS and abroad, so earning MVP really meant something.
His defensive awareness stood out against top-level competition. He anchored the Sounders Academy back line and helped them win a second straight title.
That MVP wasn’t just a personal trophy—it showed he was ready for pro soccer, which led to his signing with Tacoma Defiance soon after.
| Year | Tournament | Award | Team Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | U-17 Generation Adidas Cup | MVP | Champions |
That honor put him among the most promising defenders in his age group and set up his eventual Sounders contract.
MLS NEXT All-Star Selections
He got picked for the MLS NEXT All-Star Game two years in a row, 2022 and 2023. Those matches feature the best young players in North America, so getting chosen twice says a lot about his consistency.
The numbers back that up. For Tacoma Defiance in 2023, Hawkins played 20 matches, started 18, and ranked third in interceptions. He won more than half his duels, too.
Those stats show why league officials appreciated his defensive presence. Not many players earn multiple All-Star nods at that level—it’s a sign he was among the most reliable defenders in his class.
Those selections also let him go up against other top prospects, which sharpened his skills before he joined first-team training in Seattle.
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Participation
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a classic proving ground for young players. Hawkins got his shot in this national tournament, testing himself against professionals outside MLS NEXT Pro.
He gained valuable minutes in a knockout format, where mistakes can end your run. The Open Cup mixes MLS clubs with lower-division teams, so the challenges come in all shapes and sizes.
For a young defender, those moments matter. He learned how to handle pressure, match up physically, and stay disciplined against veteran strikers.
Playing in the Open Cup also tied him to a long-running American soccer tradition. Seattle trusted him to contribute in meaningful games, not just in development matches.
Notable Matches and Performances
If you want to track Stuart Hawkins’ growth, look at how he handled his first pro minutes, his development with Tacoma Defiance, and his bigger roles with Seattle. He’s shown he can adapt under pressure, even against teams like Austin FC, which is why the club sees him as a long-term piece.
Debut and Early Appearances
Thinking back to Hawkins’ first steps into pro soccer, you see a player who moved quickly from academy standout to MLS minutes. He signed as a Homegrown Player in 2023 and made his debut at just 16. That kind of early trust from the Sounders staff speaks volumes about his defensive instincts.
His first games came in cup competitions and late-game subs. Even with the faster pace, he stayed composed and kept his positioning simple.
At 190 cm, Hawkins already had the size to match up with older forwards. What really stood out was how he read the game and covered space—he honestly looked older than his years.
Standout Matches with Defiance
With Tacoma Defiance, Hawkins got steady playing time and the chance to improve his decisions. MLS NEXT Pro threw him up against both young talents and experienced pros, testing his consistency every week.
One of his best games came in a tight defensive battle—he won several aerial duels and cleared dangerous crosses. Each outing seemed to boost his confidence.
Defiance coaches also encouraged him to expand his passing range. He started stepping into midfield and launching attacks, a skill that later helped him with the first team. They often praised how quickly he adapted to tactical changes.
Key Metrics with Tacoma Defiance
| Season | Matches Played | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Clearances | Passing % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 18 | 1,450 | 0 | 1 | 72 | 83% |
| 2024 | 21 | 1,720 | 1 | 0 | 88 | 85% |
Key Games with Seattle Sounders FC
With Seattle, Hawkins started getting minutes when the regular center backs were out. In a 1-0 win over San Diego FC, he came on as an emergency sub and impressed everyone with his calm defending. That performance got him some well-deserved praise, especially since Seattle relied on a young back line that night.
You could see him step up in pressure moments. He blocked shots, cleared headers, and stayed disciplined in one-on-ones. For a teenager, that’s no small feat.
The Sounders’ coaches liked how he fit in without disrupting the defensive shape. His partnership with Stefan Frei in goal gave Seattle the stability it needed in a close match.
Performance Against Austin FC
One of Hawkins’ best MLS outings came against Austin FC. That team loves quick passing and wide play, so he had to stay alert, covering central runs and overlapping wingers.
In that game, he made multiple clearances inside the box and won several big aerial duels. Austin tried to beat him with diagonal balls, but he handled the pressure and didn’t panic.
His timing stood out—he stepped up to cut out passes before they reached forwards, disrupting Austin’s rhythm. That composure helped Seattle control the second half.
After that match, people started to see him as a reliable depth option for the Sounders. As a fan, you probably noticed he could hold his own against a tough, attacking MLS side.
Current Season and Future Outlook
Right now, Stuart Hawkins keeps earning minutes as a young defender, balancing his own development with the demands of the Sounders’ schedule. What he does now will shape how coaches see his long-term role and how soon he can become a regular starter.
2025 Schedule and Upcoming Fixtures
Seattle’s 2025 schedule puts Hawkins through a stretch of matches that’ll test his stamina and decision-making. The Sounders go up against Western Conference rivals multiple times, including Sporting Kansas City on July 13, 2025, according to Sofascore. He’ll go head-to-head with veteran forwards who know how to challenge young defenders.
The club’s rotation strategy will play a big role. With midweek games and long trips, Hawkins could get starts when the staff wants fresh legs. If he stays sharp in training, he’ll see more playing time.
Here’s a quick look at his 2025 match calendar:
| Month | Key Fixture | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| July | Sporting KC | MLS |
| August | LAFC | MLS |
| September | FC Dallas | MLS |
These matches will test his defensive positioning and his consistency against playoff-level opponents.
Development Goals
At 18, Hawkins is still in the growth phase of his career. He’s come up through the Sounders Academy and Tacoma Defiance, already showing promise in aerial duels and anticipation. Now, the big question is how he’ll adapt to MLS speed.
Coaches want him to get better at distributing under pressure. They’re looking for shorter, quicker passes into midfield and fewer risky giveaways. For a center back, staying calm on the ball can make the difference between starting and sitting.
Physical strength is another focus. At 6-foot-1 and 158 pounds, he’s got the frame but still needs to bulk up to handle top strikers. Expect the Sounders’ staff to keep pushing weight training and recovery routines as the season goes on.
Potential Impact on Squad
Hawkins isn’t a guaranteed starter yet, but he gives Seattle some much-needed depth at a spot where players get hurt all the time. You get the advantage of plugging him in without scrambling to change the whole system.
Yeimar and Jackson Ragen, both veterans, really set the bar for the back line. Hawkins trains with them every day, picking up habits that help him learn faster. If he keeps improving, you might see the coaches trust him in those high-pressure, late-season games that could decide the playoffs.
He signed a Homegrown contract through 2026, with options for 2027 and 2028, which shows the club actually believes in his potential (MLS). For you, that means Seattle wants to bring him along at a steady pace, not just leave him sitting on the bench.
Hawkins’ future really comes down to how quickly he can handle the physical and tactical grind of MLS, not just raw talent. If he can rise to that level, you’ll probably see him become a steady part of the Sounders’ defensive group.
