Women's Soccer: Mckenna Whitham the youngest to debut in the American Championship

McKenna "Mak" Whitham, 14, became the youngest player to debut in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States. Last Saturday, Whitham came on as a late substitute in NJ/NY Gotham FC's season opener against the Seattle Reign, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

This historic debut comes after Whitham signed a four-year contract with Gotham FC in July 2024, when she was just 13 years old, becoming the youngest athlete ever to sign with the NWSL. Previously, at 13, Whitham had already made history by becoming the youngest athlete in any sport to sign a name, image, and likeness (NIL) contract with Nike.

Growing up in Granite Bay, California, Whitham was homeschooled and demonstrated exceptional soccer talent from an early age. She represented renowned clubs such as MVLA Soccer Club and Slammers FC HB Køge, leading MVLA to the national under-13 final in July 2023. Her meteoric rise caught the attention of several NWSL teams, leading her to training as an unofficial guest with clubs such as the Kansas City Current, Washington Spirit, and finally, Gotham FC.

Whitham's NWSL debut is not only a personal milestone, but also a testament to the growing recognition and development of women's soccer in the United States. Her journey inspires young athletes around the world, showing that with talent, dedication, and opportunity, it is possible to achieve remarkable feats from a young age.

NJ/NY Gotham FC, recognizing Whitham's exceptional potential, continues to integrate her into the first team, providing her with valuable experiences that will surely shape the future of women's soccer.

For more details on McKenna Whitham's career and future updates, visit Gotham FC's official profile and her social media channels.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makwhitham/?hl=en