Jamison Ping Makes History with Phoenix FC Pro Contract

Phoenix Rising FC has signed 16-year-old academy midfielder Jamison Ping to his first professional contract, marking a significant milestone for both the player and the club’s youth development system.

“It means a lot to sign here. I’m only the second player from the academy to go pro,” said Ping. “I want to be the first academy player to score and assist for Phoenix Rising.”

Ping joined Phoenix’s academy in 2020 at just 12 years old after moving from Minnesota. The versatile midfielder, currently a junior at Valley Christian High School, has impressed by playing multiple positions.

Despite his age, Ping has already shown leadership, wearing the captain’s armband in preseason matches. He originally joined the First Team as a USL Academy signing in July 2024, maintaining college eligibility while gaining experience that ultimately led to his pro contract.

Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah emphasized the signing’s importance: “It’s crucial to have players coming from the academy, showing that we can develop talent capable of playing for the first team.”

Kah added: “I believe he has the quality to earn minutes this year. The boys know he has great quality, and he’s very beloved in the locker room.”

For Phoenix Rising supporters, Ping represents both the present and future—a homegrown talent with the potential to make an immediate impact in the 2025 USL Championship season.