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NBC News
8 hours ago
- Sport
- NBC News
Trophies, board games and apple cider: Inside the life of the NWSL's youngest player
Soccer Gotham FC's Mak Whitham signed a deal to play in the professional women's soccer league last year, just a few weeks shy of her 14th birthday. June 21, 2025, 7:05 AM EDT By Doha Madani When Gotham FC won the first CONCACAF W Champions Cup in Mexico in May, celebrations included cheers, foaming sprays of beer — and at least one bottle of apple cider. Mckenna 'Mak' Whitham, 14, is the youngest player in National Women's Soccer League history. As she is still seven years away from legally being able to drink, her teammates — all but one in their 20s and 30s — showed support with that bottle ready for her to pop in the locker room. It's just one of the ways Whitham says she's been welcomed into the league. During that week in Mexico, she bonded with some of her teammates through playing board games and craft projects in their free time. 'I feel like the experience has been really good,' Mak told NBC News. 'I don't just fit in on the field, but I also fit in off the field.' Mak signed a deal to play with Gotham last year, just a few weeks shy of her 14th birthday. She made her debut in March during stoppage time against the Seattle Reign. It was a milestone made possible by a wave of teenage players joining the country's top women's league since 2022. In just a few months of playing with Gotham, Mak says she's grown in her abilities and feels much more confident. "I just see the difference in myself," she said. "And I feel like I truly belong here." This dream has been years in the making. Mak recalls playing with a little blue ball her parents got her when she was 4. They noticed that she had the ball at her feet 'all the time' and decided that year to sign her up for a soccer camp. 'I was pretty good for a 4-year-old,' Mak joked. 'Ever since that day, I've just always loved the game. And it's been my passion.' Her enthusiasm for the sport was obvious to her parents early on. "She loved it so much that by age 8, she wanted to go every day," her father, Josh Whitham, said. Growing up outside Sacramento, California, Mak's career before the NWSL was filled with opportunities at prestigious clubs. At one point she played with Slammers FC, whose alumni include U.S. Women's National Team members Christen Press and Jenna Nighswonger. Mak was also able to train with the SoCal Youth, an MLS-affiliated youth team for Los Angeles FC. Playing alongside the power and pace of the boys' team was some of the best preparation she says she had before joining Gotham. That's not to mention her time with the U.S. youth programs, offering a standout moment at the Under-15 CONCACAF Girls' tournament when she scored in the final against Mexico. Mak had multiple NWSL teams interested in adding her to their roster. She spent time training with the Kansas City Current, this season's leading team, and the Washington Spirit, who beat Gotham in last season's semifinal game. But Mak was swayed by Gotham's commitment to her development. It was the team's "level of understanding on, how do we get Mak to become the best player and person that she can be in this club," she said. Mak's played as a substitute in a handful of games this season, but her limited time on the pitch is far from forgettable. The teenager had her best chance at an NWSL goal against the Chicago Stars last month, only to be denied by goalie Alyssa Naeher. It was frustrating, she says, but she can't be too upset to have been blocked by the two-time World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist. "I talked to the coaches, and they're like, look, the fact that you got in that position and were so close to scoring... it's pretty rare," Mak said. "So I looked at it at a different point of view." She's joining the country's highest level of women's soccer at an age where studies show 1 in 2 girls begin to drop out of competitive sports altogether. It's the love of the game and challenges that keep Mak moving toward the next milestone, which of course includes visions of the U.S. women's national team and the World Cup. 'I am always thriving to get better, not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally,' she said. 'And I would just say it's a satisfaction of creating a goal and then achieving it. And working really hard and seeing all that hard work really pay off.' Mak is the youngest in a growing youth movement within the NWSL, sparked by a then-19-year-old Olivia Moultrie. Moultrie, a Portland Thorns midfielder, won an antitrust lawsuit against the NWSL that she filed in 2021 to repeal the league's age requirement for its players. In 2022, the league unveiled a policy that would allow teams to sign a few under-18 players with restrictions. It's not unheard of for men's teams to feature teenage talent — Freddy Adu debuted for D.C. United in 2004 at just 14 years old, the youngest person to debut for any professional U.S. sport at the time. And 20 years later, Cavan Sullivan made his own MLS debut for the Philadelphia Union at 14. Mak's father noted that the decision to let their own teen make her professional debut was not one the family members took lightly. She spent months training with multiple NWSL teams ,in addition to her time spent working with Gotham, before signing a deal. "She continued to have growth and success within that environment," Whitham said. "So, Mak wanted it, and we were committed to supporting her dreams." Gotham's general manager, Yael Averbuch West, and head coach Juan Carlos Amorós, have partnered with the family to "to ensure she is continuing to grow not only in her game but as a person," Whitham said. "We have a very strong relationship with Gotham and have meetings on a set cadence concerning all areas of her development at Gotham," he added. Some of the league-mandated safeguards for young players include anti-trade protections until they turn 18, a separate changing area from the adults, regular drug testing and requirements that the team helps pay for housing and schooling costs. Mak says she's grateful to have a family that would move across the country to help her achieve her dream. She pointed out that her father's sports career was similar, as he joined the 1998 Team USA ski team when he was still in high school. "He understands the sacrifices and he understands the challenges that come with it," Mak said. "So I'm really grateful to have him. And I have my mom as well, she helps me with a lot of things, like with schooling ... I can go to her and have really good conversations." After a morning of team training, workouts and recovery, Mak returns home to homeschooling and hanging out with her younger sister. They go on walks with their dog, play video games and, of course, play some competitive soccer. Now that school's out for the summer, though, Mak says she'll probably fill that time just relaxing. Her 15th birthday is also just a few weeks away, which she says will probably involve soccer and a family dinner. Mak is happy and thriving as she gets to live out her dream each and every day, her father said. Whitham noted the family still values the importance of education, so college is still in the plan. "There is no single way that is better than another," he said, "It is extremely important that women have the same opportunities as men to develop as players, especially if that is the passion and wish of the player." Doha Madani Doha Madani is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News. Pronouns: she/her.
3 days ago
- Sport
USWNT's latest roster features new players while Europe-based stars take a break
With U.S. coach Emma Hayes giving many of her Europe-based players a break, there were several new faces on the national team Wednesday for a trio of upcoming matches against Ireland and Canada. Lindsey Heaps, Catarina Macario and Emily Fox were among the players given time off after the European season. One exception was defender Naomi Girma, who is working her way back from a calf injury. The United States plays Ireland on June 26 in Commerce City, Colorado, and again on June 29 in Cincinnati. The team plays Canada on July 2 in Washington, D.C. The roster includes four players who have been called up to the national team for the first time: defenders Jordyn Bugg, Lilly Reale and Izzy Rodriguez, and midfielder Sam Meza. Six players on the 25-player roster have not yet appeared in a game for the senior national team. Hayes, who took over as national team coach last year, has been looking at new players as she prepares the team for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. She has given 27 players their first national team call-ups. 'We want to continue to improve our understanding of how we want to play and widen the player pool, and those are some of the key goals of this three-game window,' Hayes said in a statement Wednesday. 'On this roster, we have players with a varied amount of experience, and my priority is to deepen the exposures required for international soccer. These are three challenging matches and as always, we want to win, but also to make sure we are ready for the next steps.' One veteran player who is on the roster is midfielder Rose Lavelle, who hasn't played for the national team in more than six months after having ankle surgery. Lavelle recently returned to play for her club team, Gotham FC, in the National Women's Soccer League. U.S. roster: Goalkeepers: Angelina Anderson (Angel City), Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign) Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals) Defenders: Kerry Abello (Orlando Pride), Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign), Naomi Girma (Chelsea), Lilly Reale (Gotham FC), Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC), Gisele Thompson (Angel City) Midfielders: Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC), Sam Meza (Seattle Reign), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns) Forwards: Lynn Biyendolo (Seattle Reign), Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current), Yazmeen Ryan (Houston Dash), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville), Ally Sentnor (Utah Royals), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City)
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
USWNT's latest roster features new players while Europe-based stars take a break
With U.S. coach Emma Hayes giving many of her Europe-based players a break, there were several new faces on the national team Wednesday for a trio of upcoming matches against Ireland and Canada. Lindsey Heaps, Catarina Macario and Emily Fox were among the players given time off after the European season. One exception was defender Naomi Girma, who is working her way back from a calf injury. The United States plays Ireland on June 26 in Commerce City, Colorado, and again on June 29 in Cincinnati. The team plays Canada on July 2 in Washington, D.C. The roster includes four players who have been called up to the national team for the first time: defenders Jordyn Bugg, Lilly Reale and Izzy Rodriguez, and midfielder Sam Meza. Six players on the 25-player roster have not yet appeared in a game for the senior national team. Hayes, who took over as national team coach last year, has been looking at new players as she prepares the team for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. She has given 27 players their first national team call-ups. 'We want to continue to improve our understanding of how we want to play and widen the player pool, and those are some of the key goals of this three-game window,' Hayes said in a statement Wednesday. 'On this roster, we have players with a varied amount of experience, and my priority is to deepen the exposures required for international soccer. These are three challenging matches and as always, we want to win, but also to make sure we are ready for the next steps.' One veteran player who is on the roster is midfielder Rose Lavelle, who hasn't played for the national team in more than six months after having ankle surgery. Lavelle recently returned to play for her club team, Gotham FC, in the National Women's Soccer League. U.S. roster: Goalkeepers: Angelina Anderson (Angel City), Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign) Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals) Defenders: Kerry Abello (Orlando Pride), Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign), Naomi Girma (Chelsea), Lilly Reale (Gotham FC), Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC), Gisele Thompson (Angel City) Midfielders: Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC), Sam Meza (Seattle Reign), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns) Forwards: Lynn Biyendolo (Seattle Reign), Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current), Yazmeen Ryan (Houston Dash), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville), Ally Sentnor (Utah Royals), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City) ___ AP soccer:
San Francisco Chronicle
3 days ago
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
USWNT's latest roster features new players while Europe-based stars take a break
With U.S. coach Emma Hayes giving many of her Europe-based players a break, there were several new faces on the national team Wednesday for a trio of upcoming matches against Ireland and Canada. Lindsey Heaps, Catarina Macario and Emily Fox were among the players given time off after the European season. One exception was defender Naomi Girma, who is working her way back from a calf injury. The United States plays Ireland on June 26 in Commerce City, Colorado, and again on June 29 in Cincinnati. The team plays Canada on July 2 in Washington, D.C. The roster includes four players who have been called up to the national team for the first time: defenders Jordyn Bugg, Lilly Reale and Izzy Rodriguez, and midfielder Sam Meza. Six players on the 25-player roster have not yet appeared in a game for the senior national team. Hayes, who took over as national team coach last year, has been looking at new players as she prepares the team for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. She has given 27 players their first national team call-ups. 'We want to continue to improve our understanding of how we want to play and widen the player pool, and those are some of the key goals of this three-game window,' Hayes said in a statement Wednesday. 'On this roster, we have players with a varied amount of experience, and my priority is to deepen the exposures required for international soccer. These are three challenging matches and as always, we want to win, but also to make sure we are ready for the next steps.' One veteran player who is on the roster is midfielder Rose Lavelle, who hasn't played for the national team in more than six months after having ankle surgery. Lavelle recently returned to play for her club team, Gotham FC, in the National Women's Soccer League. Goalkeepers: Angelina Anderson (Angel City), Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign) Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals) Defenders: Kerry Abello (Orlando Pride), Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign), Naomi Girma (Chelsea), Lilly Reale (Gotham FC), Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC), Gisele Thompson (Angel City) Midfielders: Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC), Sam Meza (Seattle Reign), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns) ___
Fox Sports
3 days ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
USWNT's latest roster features new players while Europe-based stars take a break
Associated Press With U.S. coach Emma Hayes giving many of her Europe-based players a break, there were several new faces on the national team Wednesday for a trio of upcoming matches against Ireland and Canada. Lindsey Heaps, Catarina Macario and Emily Fox were among the players given time off after the European season. One exception was defender Naomi Girma, who is working her way back from a calf injury. The United States plays Ireland on June 26 in Commerce City, Colorado, and again on June 29 in Cincinnati. The team plays Canada on July 2 in Washington, D.C. The roster includes four players who have been called up to the national team for the first time: defenders Jordyn Bugg, Lilly Reale and Izzy Rodriguez, and midfielder Sam Meza. Six players on the 25-player roster have not yet appeared in a game for the senior national team. Hayes, who took over as national team coach last year, has been looking at new players as she prepares the team for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. She has given 27 players their first national team call-ups. 'We want to continue to improve our understanding of how we want to play and widen the player pool, and those are some of the key goals of this three-game window,' Hayes said in a statement Wednesday. 'On this roster, we have players with a varied amount of experience, and my priority is to deepen the exposures required for international soccer. These are three challenging matches and as always, we want to win, but also to make sure we are ready for the next steps.' One veteran player who is on the roster is midfielder Rose Lavelle, who hasn't played for the national team in more than six months after having ankle surgery. Lavelle recently returned to play for her club team, Gotham FC, in the National Women's Soccer League. U.S. roster: Goalkeepers: Angelina Anderson (Angel City), Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign) Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals) Defenders: Kerry Abello (Orlando Pride), Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign), Naomi Girma (Chelsea), Lilly Reale (Gotham FC), Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC), Gisele Thompson (Angel City) Midfielders: Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC), Sam Meza (Seattle Reign), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns) Forwards: Lynn Biyendolo (Seattle Reign), Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current), Yazmeen Ryan (Houston Dash), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville), Ally Sentnor (Utah Royals), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City) ___ AP soccer:
