patotya
Active member
By around 8 years old, McKenna "Mak" Whitham knew she wanted to be a professional soccer player. What she probably didn't know is how soon that dream would become a reality. Whitham, who turns 14 on Saturday, has signed a professional contract with NJ/NY Gotham FC, the reigning National Women's Soccer League champions, making her the youngest signing in NWSL history. "I processed it, and it's still new to me," Whitham said about the achievement, in an exclusive interview with ESPN. "But, I mean, I'm not going to be cocky about it. I'm going to stay humble, and I'm still going to keep developing. My goal is to be a top player in the NWSL, and I know that Gotham will help me become that player." Whitham's guaranteed contract runs through 2028 and will become effective on Jan. 1, 2025. Whitham's pro debut, however, could come Sunday, one day after her 14th birthday. Gotham has signed her as a United States national team replacement player for Sunday's game.
