In a remarkable achievement for women’s sports, 14-year-old McKenna Whitham has officially made history by becoming the youngest professional female soccer player in the United States.

Historic Debut

Whitham stepped onto the pitch as a substitute during NJ/NY Gotham FC’s opening match of the 2025 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season against the Seattle Reign. The match concluded in a 1-1 draw on March 15, 2025, marking her entry into professional soccer at a record-breaking age.

Expressing Gratitude

In the aftermath of her debut, Whitham took to social media, expressing her excitement: “Thank you for the opportunity @GothamFC and @NWSL…I am excited for this year and it’s a dream come true!” She shared this sentiment on X, signaling her enthusiasm for the season ahead.

About McKenna Whitham

McKenna Whitham, often referred to as “Mak,” signed a four-year contract with NJ/NY Gotham FC in July 2024, which commenced on January 1, 2025. Notably, she also holds the distinction of being the youngest athlete to secure a name, image, and likeness (NIL) contract with Nike.

Background and Training

Residing in California, Whitham is currently homeschooled and plays for Slammers FC HB Køge, a prestigious club located in Southern California. Additionally, she is a member of the U.S. Under-15 youth national team.

Whitham’s journey in soccer is marked by extensive training, having worked with several NWSL clubs including Gotham, the Kansas City Current, and the Washington Spirit. Her talent was further recognized when she was invited to train with the LAFC MLS Next’s 2010 Boys Academy team.