In a remarkable achievement for women’s sports, 14-year-old McKenna Whitham became the youngest professional women’s soccer player in U.S. history. This milestone occurred during the opening match of the 2025 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season where she stepped onto the field as a substitute for NJ/NY Gotham FC against the Seattle Reign, a game that concluded in a 1-1 draw.

Whitham’s Initial Reaction

Following her groundbreaking debut, Whitham expressed her gratitude and excitement on social media, stating, “Thank you for the opportunity @GothamFC and @NWSL…I am excited for this year and it’s a dream come true!”, highlighting the significance of this moment in her young career.

Who is McKenna Whitham?

Born in California, McKenna “Mak” Whitham signed a four-year professional contract with NJ/NY Gotham FC in July 2024, with her contract becoming active on January 1, 2025. In addition to her contract with Gotham, she was also recognized as the youngest athlete to secure a name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreement with Nike.

Background and Training

Mckenna, who is homeschooled, is a prominent player for Slammers FC HB Køge, a competitive youth club in Southern California. Additionally, she is currently a member of the U.S. Under-15 youth national team. Her training experiences are extensive, including time spent with NWSL clubs such as Gotham, Kansas City Current, and Washington Spirit. She also had the opportunity to train with LAFC MLS Next’s 2010 Boys Academy team, showcasing her versatility and commitment to growth as an athlete.

Looking Ahead

In a previous statement to the media, Whitham expressed her enthusiasm about joining Gotham FC, stating, “I am really excited to sign and begin my professional career with Gotham FC. Gotham FC is a great place for me to continue to push myself as a player. I can’t wait to get to work and to continue to grow as a player with the great players, coaches, and staff at Gotham FC.”