Relentless on the field, driven by purpose off it.
This is the story of Kristopher Shakes.
THE SHAKEY WARRIOR
Academy MISSION
The Shakey Warrior Goalkeeper Academy is committed to technically sound and mentally strong goalkeepers through elite-level training rooted in discipline. Our mission is to mentor the next generation of goalkeepers by instilling professional habits, sharp instincts, and a warrior mindset both on and off the field.
Bigger than just a Game
Kris’s passion for the game runs deeper than wins and clean sheets. He plays in honor of his late father and his friend Joaquin. Their memory fuels his drive, his discipline, and his purpose, to make every moment count and inspire others to do the same.
The Shakey Way
Kris Shakes soccer journey from a small town in South Florida to one of the Nation’s most competitive soccer league. From pitfalls to mountain tops, these a monumental moments of my life.
2001
APRIL
On April 27th, 2001, Kris Shakes was born in Parkland, Florida.
2005
JULY
At age 4, Shakes was the energetic younger brother who played every sport he could, nonstop.
2010
JULY
Though a multi-sport athlete, Shakes chose to pursue soccer early on. By age 10, he was playing goalkeeper for the travel team Brazilian Twisters, chasing his dream of going pro
2011
AUGUST
Shakes played for several travel teams, often rotating between goalkeeper and field player; proving he could make saves and score goals.
2014
JULY
At 13, Shakes was selected to represent Florida in the Olympic Development Program (ODP), marking his first step onto the national stage.
2015
DEcember
At 14, Shakes was invited to join one of the four ODP regional teams, traveling across South America and the U.S. to compete at a higher level.
2015
OCTober
While focused on soccer, Shakes stayed true to his multi-sport roots, playing JV baseball at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
2016
MAy
Shakes’s standout play with the ODP Regional Team earned him a tryout with the U.S. Youth National Team, where he was 1 of just 3 goalkeepers selected. He spent the next month touring Europe, competing against top international talent.
2016
SEPTEMBER
After his freshman year at Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Shakes was invited to join the Philadelphia Union Academy and attend YSC Academy. He spent the rest of high school starting regularly for the MLS academy, sharpening his game at the highest youth level in the nation.
2018
MAY
At 17, Shakes verbally committed to Penn State University on a full-ride scholarship to play Division I soccer.
2019
APRIL
While with the Union Academy, Shakes was regularly called up to train with Bethlehem Steel, the club’s MLS Next Pro affiliate, gaining early exposure to the professional level.
2019
JUNE
Shakes graduated from YSC Academy and began preparing for his next chapter as a Division I athlete at Penn State.
2021
november
Shakes led Penn State to its first Big Ten Tournament title since 2005, earning Defensive Player of the Tournament honors after recording shutouts in all three matches, including a 3-0 win over Indiana in the final .
2023
OCTOBEr
Two years later, Shakes was named Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year, solidifying his place as one of the top collegiate keepers in the country.
2023
november
Kris Shakes graduated as a standout goalkeeper from Penn State, ranking third all-time in saves and earning multiple Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors while helping lead the team to conference titles and NCAA tournament runs.
2024
FEBRURArY
Kris Shakes signs his first professional contract playing for New Mexico United, which plays in the USL Championship
THE JOURNEY IS STILL JUST GETTING STARTED!
With bagging his first clean sheet performance for New Mexico United back in September 2024 during a crucial win over Loudoun United. It's safe to say his soccer career has only just begun.
Join the Shakey warrior academy
Discover how our specialized training can transform your skills and boost your confidence.
