Community Sports

Peninsula alumni soccer game brings players home again

Walk past Roy Anderson Field on the first Friday of June and you might just come across a reunion of soccer players, some returning 20 years after their high school careers ended.

The fourth annual Peninsula High School alumni soccer game brought together former Seahawks from two decades of Peninsula soccer history, while raising thousands of dollars for the current program.

This year’s event featured 26 alumni players ranging from the class of 2005 to the class of 2025. Some traveled from as far away as Arizona and California to take part in the game, which ended in a familiar result: A 4-0 alumni victory, their fourth straight win over the current varsity squad.

But four years into the event, organizers say the annual game has become about much more than soccer.

Peninsula High graduates participating in the alumni soccer game relax on the bench on Friday, June 5. Photo by Nathan Hyun

Where it all started

The idea began shortly after Holly Beck’s son graduated from Peninsula in 2022.

Like many parents, Beck found it difficult to imagine not watching her son play soccer anymore. After hearing about similar alumni games at other schools, she saw an opportunity to bring former Peninsula players back together while also supporting the current program.

“We figured it would benefit all of us,” Beck said. “Getting to watch him still play and then benefiting the team as well.”

Beck partnered with Tina Burbridge and other volunteers to launch the event, hoping they could attract enough alumni to field a team.

Participation quickly exceeded expectations.

Holly Beck and Ozer Kocdemir helped organize the Peninsula High soccer alumni game. Photo by Nathan Hyun

“We were hoping that we could at least get 11 to field a team,” Beck said. “This year we have our largest roster of alumni here tonight.”

Former Peninsula coach Ozer Kocdemir helped create the event alongside parents during his time leading the Seahawks program.

Kocdemir said the goal was always about bringing former players back home.

“When you go into the gym, you can see the past titles and championships the teams have won,” Kocdemir said. “I wanted to bring back the people that played here before and at the same time fundraise for the program.”

Player impact

One of those returning players is Camron Watkins.

The 2021 Peninsula graduate has participated in all four alumni games and helps organizers connect with former players each year.

Watkins recently moved back to Gig Harbor after attending Boise State University, but he said the game remains one of the highlights of his summer.

“It brings back the memories for sure,” Watkins said. “It’s a community that we’ve been lucky enough to build here at Peninsula High School.”

Camron Watkins, a 2021 Peninsula graduate, has played in all four alumni games. Photo by Nathan Hyun

For many alumni, the game provides an opportunity to reconnect with teammates and friends they may only see once a year.

“We have guys that come from out of state just for this event,” Watkins said. “It definitely means a lot.”

Before kickoff, alumni and varsity players share a meal together. In the stands, parents from multiple generations of Peninsula soccer catch up with families they may not have seen in years.

“It’s fun sitting up there with all the parents from several different years,” Beck said. “It’s nice to be able to all come together again.”

More than wins or losses

While the alumni remain undefeated on the field, organizers say the larger victory comes through fundraising.

This year’s event raised more than $3,000 through ticket sales, auctions, and raffles featuring donations from local Gig Harbor businesses.

Nearly all the raffle prizes were donated by community businesses eager to support Peninsula soccer.

“It goes towards the next season’s varsity and JV team to be able to purchase new gear, new outfits, maybe whatever they need for that year,” Beck said.

Peninsula High alumni are unbeaten in four games against the current varsity squad. Photo by Nathan Hyun

Past fundraising efforts have even helped cover team camp expenses, allowing players to attend overnight trips that otherwise may not have been possible.

Watkins said giving back to the program that helped shape so many former players remain one of the event’s biggest motivations.

“It’s all for the current team,” Watkins said. “Giving back and being able to help the current team means a bunch.”

More to come

As participation continues to grow, organizers hope the event becomes a permanent fixture.

Beck said she hopes future players recognize both the financial impact and the community value of continuing the tradition.

The alumni team jerseys bear both each player’s last name and their graduation year. Photo by Nathan Hyun

“I really hope the Peninsula High School soccer team is able to continue it and see what a benefit it is for future Seahawks,” Beck said.

Watkins shares that vision and believes the event’s potential extends even further.

“I want to see those stands full,” Watkins said. “I want to see thousands of dollars raised for Peninsula soccer.”

For now, participation continues to grow. Alumni now travel from across the West Coast to return to Gig Harbor each June, reconnect with former teammates and help support the next generation of Peninsula soccer players.

“It’s special,” Watkins said. “We’re definitely very lucky to have an opportunity like this.”