14-year-old becomes youngest ever women's pro soccer player in US

A 14-year-old made history when she became the nation’s youngest ever professional women’s soccer player. 

McKenna Whitham entered the field as a substitute in the remaining minutes of NJ/NY Gotham FC’s match against the Seattle Reign, which ended in a 1-1 draw in the opening matchday of the 2025 National Women’s Soccer League season.

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"Thank you for the opportunity @GothamFC and @NWSL…I am excited for this year and it’s a dream come true!", Whitham posted on X on March16 after the match.

Who is McKenna Whitham?

The backstory:

Mckenna "Mak" Whitham signed a four-year contract with NJ/NY Gotham FC in July 2024, which became effective on Jan. 1, 2025. Whitham was also the youngest athlete to sign a name, image and likeness (NIL) contract with Nike. 

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"I am really excited to sign and begin my professional career with Gotham FC," said Whitham in a release from NJ/NY Gotham FC last year. "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 player, coaches and staff at Gotham FC."

The California native is homeschooled and plays for Slammers FC HB Køge, a competitive club in the southern part of the state, and she’s a member of the U.S. Under-15 youth national team.

According to The Athletic, McKenna has trained with NWSL clubs, including Gotham, the Kansas City Current and the Washington Spirit. She was also invited to train with LAFC MLS Next’s 2010 Boys Academy team.