NWSL History Made
McKenna Whitham made history this weekend during Gotham FC’s season opener against the Seattle Reign at Lumen Field in Seattle. Whitham, only 14 years old, became the youngest player to ever play in a regular season NWSL match. She entered the game as a substitute in the third minute of second-half stoppage time.
Her Rapid Ascent in Professional Soccer
Born on July 27, 2010, Whitham’s rapid ascent in professional soccer has been remarkable. She began her youth career with MVLA Soccer Club and later joined Slammers FC HB Koge. At only 13, she signed a name, image, and likeness (NIL) contract with Nike in February 2024, becoming the youngest athlete across all sports to do so.
Her journey with Gotham FC started in early 2024 when she trained with the team as a non-roster invitee. Her impressive performances during these sessions led to a short-term agreement, allowing her to participate in exhibition matches. Notably, she scored a last-minute game-winner against Deportivo Cali during the Women’s Cup in Colombia on February 27, 2024.
Gotham FC’s Rising Star
Recognizing her potential, Gotham FC signed Whitham to a four-year under-18 contract on July 26, 2024, making her the youngest signee in NWSL history. Two days later, she made her competitive debut in a Summer Cup group stage match against the Washington Spirit, further solidifying her status as a rising star.
NWSL’s Younger Talent
Whitham’s debut surpasses the previous record held by Jaedyn Shaw, who debuted at 17 years old for the San Diego Wave in 2022.
Her entry into the NWSL also follows the trend of younger talents making their mark, such as Alyssa Thompson, who was drafted at 18 by Angel City FC in 2023.
Hobbies off the Field
Off the field, McKenna enjoys activities like drawing, solving puzzles, and spending time with her family and pet dog, Cody. Her favorite movie is “Gladiator,” she dreams of traveling to destinations like Italy, Africa, and Australia.
The Future is Bright
Whitham’s historic debut is a testament to her dedication and the evolving landscape of women’s soccer, where young talents are increasingly making significant impacts on the professional stage.
