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New York Post
Gotham FC’s McKenna Whitham, 14, makes US sports history as youngest player to make pro debut
By Christian Arnold,
3 hours ago
Gotham FC’s McKenna “Mak” Whitham made her professional debut at the age of 14 years old during Sunday’s match against the Washington Spirit just days after signing a professional contract with the team.
Whitham made history last week when she signed a deal with Gotham and became the youngest player to ever ink an NWSL contract at 13 years old — the deal was signed a day shy of her 14th birthday.
Gotham FC forward McKenna Whitham, 14, runs down the pitch against Washington Spirit during the second half on July 28, 2024 as she became the youngest player to play pro soccer in the U.S. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Whitham entered Sunday’s NWSL x Liga MX Summer Cup game in the 80th minute, and Gotham won the match, 1-0, at Subaru Park in Chester, Pa.
While her deal won’t go into effect until Jan. 1, 2025, and runs through 2028, she also inked a National Team Replacement Player contract which allowed her to be eligible for Gotham’s Summer Cup matches.
Signing her first professional contract, just celebrated her 14th birthday, and making her @NWSL debut in the same week?!
Whitham is 10 months younger than Sullivan, who made his MLS debut at 14 years and 293 days old to break Freddy Adu’s record.
“I am really excited to sign and begin my professional career with Gotham FC,” Whitham said in a statement after signing the contract. “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.”
Gotham FC forward McKenna Whitham (31) hugs head coach Juan Carlos Amoros after the game against the Washington Spirit on July 28, 2024. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Whitham was able to sign with Gotham and bypass the NWSL draft due to a mechanism known as the NWSL under-18 entry mechanism that permits her to be selected under 18.
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