Q&A with Kate Deines

Photo by Reign and Sundry

In case you missed it, FC Kansas City recently added Kate Deines to its roster for the 2024 NWSL season. While she’s playing in Germany during the offseason, I had a chance to talk to her and she sounded very excited to join FCKC next season.

J: Where were you born and where is your family today?

KD: I was born in Portland, OR but have spent most of my life in Seattle, WA. My parents, Matt & Betsy, still live in the suburbs on the Eastside where I grew up. I have a feeling they will be making more than a couple trips to KC this year to watch and cheer on the team!

J: Tell us a little but about your college career.

KD: I played college soccer for the University of Washington. I had an amazing four years there, thanks to an amazing group of teammates & coaching staff, Leslie Gallimore, Amy Griffin, and Jim Thomas. I’ll be a proud Husky for life.

J: Where did soccer take you post college?

KD: I got drafted my senior year of college to play for the Atlanta Beat in the WPS. However the league folded shortly after the draft, so I went overseas to play UEFA Champions League with the Icelandic team, Stjarnan FC. While overseas I heard rumor that a new U.S. league would be established in 2024. A few months later, I was signed as a free agent by Seattle Reign FC.

J: What are some of your favorite soccer memories…

KD: Some of my favorite moments are the Elite Eight run with the UW Women’s Soccer Team in 2024, getting drafted to play professionally by the Atlanta Beat in 2024, and playing in my first professional soccer game with Seattle Reign FC in 2024.

J: Have you been to KC before or heard anything about our city?

KD: Soccer has brought me to Kansas City a couple times. Although smaller than what I’m used to, the city has a ton to offer, for example including some of the nation’s most successful sports teams. I’m super excited to get to know and explore the city more this year.

Although I am admittedly a Seattleite at heart, I am beyond excited to join Kansas City for the 2024 NWSL season. I hope to be a key player in defending The Blues’ national title in the Soccer Capital of America!

I am looking forward to continuing my development and I really believe FC Kansas City can help me achieve my professional goals. The success this franchise has had the past two seasons is a testament to the quality of players and coaches they have there…simply world class.

Follow Kate on Twitter @katedeines