McKenna 'Mak' Whitham, 13, has signed a professional contract with NJ/NY Gotham FC, the reigning NWSL champions, making her the youngest signing in the league's history.
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."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.
The decision for Whitham to begin her guaranteed contract in January was part of a calculated process to not rush her, Averbuch West said. Whitham will have opportunities to get a taste of the professional environment during the NWSL x Liga MX Summer Cup, which pits teams from the U.S. and Mexico against each other.
Averbuch West said that the requirements for the U18 mechanism, which was introduced last year, have expanded to include additional provisions around pediatric medical evaluations, facilities and safety assessments , and a long-term development plan as a player and a person.That all means clubs must be ready for the responsibilities, too. The NWSL is less than two years removed from a pair of investigations that uncovered systemic abuse throughout the league.
Whitham will move to the New York/New Jersey area with her mom, dad, and 7-year-old sister soon. For now, she said, they will cherish what little they have left of beach time in California. She will continue homeschooling, as she has for several years. Averbuch West, who is a former player in the NWSL and was the founding executive director of the NWSL Players Association, stressed that Gotham is focused on Whitham's long-term future.
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