January 11, 2026
On Dec. 18, 2025, Major League Soccer held its 26th edition of the MLS SuperDraft. Three Panthers were hoping to hear their names called as many other students enjoyed a stress-free winter break.
High Point University is not particularly known as a soccer powerhouse like other big-name schools such as Washington, NC State and Virginia, but they have slowly been climbing up the rankings year by year, and with that comes the opportunity to send players to the pros. After a standout season where the team went 14-2-4 (6-2-3 Big South) and made it to the Sweet Sixteen before losing to Georgetown, Jefferson Amaya, Daniel Lugo and Koven Johnson decided to enter their names into the draft.
By the end of the draft, all three Panthers heard their names called, with Lugo being picked first with the 29th overall pick by the Vancouver WhiteCaps, Amaya at 42nd by Real Salt Lake, and Johnson at 70th by the Colorado Rapids. These selections marked the first Panthers to be drafted since star goalkeeper Holden Trent was drafted to the Philadelphia Union in 2022, who sadly passed away at the age of 25 in 2024.
While Amaya is unsure on whether to take his talents to the MLS, Johnson and Lugo, on the other hand, have decided to return to campus and join the team again next season. Both had similar messages they posted on social media to let the fans know their intent of rejoining the Panthers team.
“I’m grateful to have been drafted by the Colorado Rapids and am happy to announce I will return to High Point to continue my development, surrounded by the family I've built here,” Johnson said via social media.
With two drafted players making the decision to come back and one weighing his options. The Panthers are heading into next season with some key experience, confidence and unfinished business.