McKenna Whitham, a 13-year-old soccer player, made headlines by scoring her first goal in a professional environment for Gotham FC at the Women’s Cup in Colombia. Despite her young age, Whitham has shown great potential and confidence, signing an NIL deal with Nike and training with NWSL teams like Gotham, Kansas City Current, and Washington Spirit. She has been homeschooled and plays for Slammers FC HB Køge and the U.S. Under-15 youth national team.
Whitham’s impressive performance in preseason training with Gotham FC led to her being invited to join the team as a non-roster invitee. She trained alongside veteran players and showed her skills and dedication on the field. The club’s general manager, Yael Averbuch West, recognized Whitham’s talent and welcomed her into the team’s environment to evaluate her further. Although Whitham did not play in Gotham’s season opener, she has continued training with the team as a valuable asset.
The NWSL has seen a rise in young talent entering the league, with players like Whitham, Angel City’s Alyssa and Gisele Thompson, and San Diego Wave’s Melanie Barcenas making a mark at a young age. The league’s U-18 entry mechanism has provided a structured path for young players to pursue a professional career without the necessity of collegiate play. Whitham, like many other young players, has expressed her focus on going pro and has chosen not to participate in high school soccer or college.
Clubs like Gotham FC are adapting to the influx of young talent and the changing landscape of professional soccer. With more players bypassing collegiate play altogether, clubs are looking to recruit young stars like Whitham to bolster their rosters. The U-18 entry mechanism sets guidelines for the inclusion of young players, ensuring that they receive the necessary support and guidance while navigating the professional environment.
Whitham’s future with Gotham FC is yet to be determined, but her potential to excel in the NWSL is evident. The club is evaluating her performance and contribution to the team, considering how she can help them achieve success on the field. With her talent, determination, and support from her family and team, Whitham has the opportunity to become one of the youngest professional players in the U.S. and make a lasting impact in the league.
As the NWSL continues to embrace young talent and witness record-breaking achievements from players like Whitham, Pfeiffer, and Phair, the league is evolving to provide opportunities for the next generation of soccer stars. These young players are breaking boundaries and inspiring others to pursue their dreams of playing professionally. With the support of clubs, coaches, and teammates, players like Whitham are poised to shape the future of women’s soccer in the U.S. and beyond.
