Mak Whitham, the youngest player in the growing youth movement within the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), emphasizes her commitment to improvement—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Inspired by fellow young player Olivia Moultrie, who won a significant lawsuit in 2021 challenging the league’s age restrictions, Mak notes the satisfaction derived from setting and achieving goals through hard work.
Mak’s family deliberated carefully before allowing her to pursue a professional debut at such a young age. After months of training with various NWSL teams, she ultimately signed a deal with Gotham FC. Her father highlighted Mak’s continuous growth in the sport and their family’s commitment to supporting her dreams. The team’s general manager and head coach have actively collaborated with her family to ensure her development as both a player and an individual.
The NWSL has implemented safeguards for young players, including anti-trade protections until they reach 18, separate facilities from adults, regular drug testing, and assistance with housing and educational expenses. Mak expresses gratitude for her family’s sacrifices, noting that her father’s early athletic career on the 1998 Team USA ski team resonates with her own journey. She appreciates her mother’s support in balancing sports and academics, emphasizing the importance of open communication with her parents.
With the NWSL slowly adapting to include teenage talent, Mak represents a new wave of youth in professional soccer, driven by ambition, family support, and the ambition to excel both on and off the field.
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