McKenna Whitham, Youngest Pro Soccer Player in U.S. History, Signs with NWSL Gotham FC

McKenna Whitham, Youngest Professional Athlete in U.S. History Signs with NWSL Gotham

McKenna ("Mak") Whitham has made history as not only the youngest professional soccer player in the United States, but as the youngest professional player, both male and female, in all professional sports league in the U.S., including the NWSL, MLS, MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, and WNBA.

Mak broke the record as the youngest pro athlete in American history less than 2 weeks after Cavan Sullivan, who made his debut in the MLS with Philadelphia Union at 14 years and 293 days old, was named the youngest pro player across all sports leagues in the U.S., including the NWSL, MLS, MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, and WNBA at the time. Mak now holds that title. In February 2024, Mak became the youngest athlete in any sport to sign a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal with Nike at 13 years old.

Mak became the youngest to sign a contract in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) with NJ/NY Gotham FC before her 14th birthday, when she was 13 years old. She made her professional debut at 14 years and 1 day with NJ/NY Gotham FC against Washington Spirit.

Prior to signing with Gotham, Mak trained with the NWSL team throughout 2024 and joined Gotham's pre-season as a non-roster invitee. At 13 years old, she scored the winning goal for Gotham against Deportivo Cali in a pre-season tournament at the Women's Cup in Colombia.

Mak plays for the U-15 U.S. Women's Youth National Team. She also trains and plays with LAFC Academy's 2010 boys team.

Mak has been training with Coach Michael on a regular basis for 2 years before she signed as a professional soccer player. She continues to train with Coach Michael when she's in California.