Age

25

Height

 5’10”

Number

13

Position

GK

A Parkland, Florida native, Kris Shakes joined the Black & Yellow prior to his rookie 2024 season following a standout collegiate career at Penn State.

In his inaugural year as a pro, Shakes made two USL Championship appearances and earned his first professional victory in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup against Lubbock Matadors. His first career league victory and clean sheet came on September 22, 2024, in a crucial match against Loudoun United FC, as Shakes made four saves to help United secure the victory and continue its push toward the top seed in the Western Conference. 

Shakes took another step forward in 2025, becoming an important presence between the posts for United. He recorded his first professional penalty save against Colorado Springs in September and posted a clean sheet in his first career playoff start, helping New Mexico defeat San Antonio, 2-0. Shakes also delivered a crucial double save against Orange County in the Western Conference Semifinal as United advanced to its first Western Conference Final in club history. He finished his first two seasons with six clean sheets in 21 appearances across all competitions and re-signed with New Mexico ahead of the 2026 season. 

In 2026, Shakes emerged as one of the USL Championship’s top-performing goalkeepers and a key part of New Mexico’s defensive success. Through August 22, Shakes helped United record nine clean sheets during the season. His performance in a 0-0 road draw against Loudoun United saw him make eight saves while United played down a man for more than an hour, helping extend the club’s unbeaten run to 12 matches across all competitions and earning Shakes USL Championship Team of the Week honors. 

Prior to joining New Mexico United, Shakes enjoyed a decorated career at Penn State. He earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors in 2020-21 and was named Defensive Player of the Tournament and to the Big Ten All-Tournament Team in 2021 after posting three consecutive tournament shutouts as Penn State captured the Big Ten Tournament title. Shakes was also a member of the 2019 Big Ten All-Freshman Team and earned multiple Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors during his collegiate career.