Introduction
Imagine being 14 years old and traveling around the world to play professional women’s soccer. Meet McKenna Whitham, otherwise known as “Mak”, the youngest professional women’s soccer player in 2025 to sign with a professional women’s soccer team on July 24, 2024, in New Jersey.
She was born on July 27, 2010, in Granite Bay, California. When Mak was 13, she signed with Nike, becoming the first 13-year-old to sign with a name brand. Starting her soccer career, she played for MVLA (Mountain View-Los Altos) and Slammers, both of which are elite clubs, as well as ENCL. At 13, Mak trained with the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) clubs. She was the youngest player of UWS (United Women’s Soccer).
The first thing that made her noticed by scouts and other professionals was when she scored a goal against Deportivo Cali in the women’s Colombian Cup. This was McKenna’s first action in a professional environment.
Signing
On her 14th birthday, she signed with Gotham and officially became the youngest person in the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League). “Signing her first professional contract, just celebrated her 14th birthday, and making her @NWSL debut in the same week?! We’re so happy to have you, Mak Whitham!”- Gotham FC added on X, credits to ESPN.
Gotham FC officially welcomed the young 14-year-old McKenna Whitham. According to ESPN, “We are incredibly excited for Mak to make her debut last night. This is a great step in her journey as a professional athlete, and she has worked hard to get to this point,” Gotham FC General Manager and Head of Soccer Operations Yael Averbuch West said.
More facts
McKenna just broke the record for the United States’ youngest pro soccer player, beating 15-year-old Cavan Sullivan. Mak is still trying to improve and become better, and to win the title of world’s youngest goal scorer, trying to take it from 16-year-old Alex Pfeiffer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, McKenna Whitham is a remarkably talented professional soccer player, already at just 14 years old. If you ever think you’re too young to achieve something you want, remember McKenna Whitham, the USA’s youngest pro women’s soccer player.
Mckenna Whitham after she signed with Gotham Mckenna Whitham’s game on her first professional team