A week ago, 14-year-old McKenna “Mak” Whitham became the youngest player to enter a regular season NWSL match in history.

During the 93rd minute, Whitham stood on the sidelines waiting to be subbed in. With the game being tied, these were crucial minutes to give such a young player.

She stepped up to replace Esther González as a striker. She went in after a red card, which meant the team was playing down with 10 players.

Whitham told ESPN that Coach Juan Carlos Amorós had told her to “enjoy the game and just be you” and that is exactly what Whitham did. She worked hard to keep the game at a tie alongside her veteran teammates.

This is not the first accomplishment to land Whitham in the headlines.

Whitham had been only one of three under 18-year-old, non-roster invitees who were asked to join Gotham FC last year. She then signed with Gotham FC at the age of 13. Previously Melanie Barcenas of San Diego Wave had been the youngest to sign with a team.

Withham’s contract keeps her bound to Gotham until 2028. This is a part of the NWSL’s U-18 entry mechanism, which helps protect and develop young players in a professional setting.

Gotham’s General Manager and Head of Soccer Operations, Yael Averbuch West, described her excitement about Whitham to Gotham News.

“Mak has proven herself each day at training, and we are excited to help her on her journey as a professional athlete,” Averbuch said. “We are committed to fostering an environment that will help Mak grow not only as a player, but as a person as well.”

Whitham has also been featured on many other teams such as the United States at the youth international level, MVLA Soccer Club, and Slammers FC.

Whitham made her professional debut last year at the NWSL and Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup. This made her the youngest player to appear for a United States top-flight professional team – woman or man.

At the Women’s Cup in Colombia, Whitham scored the game-winner for Gotham against Deporvito Cali.

This is not where her accomplishments stop. 

While also training with Gotham, Whitham trained with the boys Los Angeles FC Academy and Santa Clarita Blue Heat of United Women’s Soccer. She helped lead Santa Clarita to victory in the UWS National Championship last July.

In February 2024, she signed a contract with Nike. This name, image, and likeness contract allows her to profit from her name as a student-athlete. Earning yet another mark in history, she was the youngest athlete from any sport to sign an NIL with Nike.

Born in 2010, Whitham grew up in Granite Bay, Calif. While still being homeschooled, Whitham is set to graduate high school in 2028.