Mak Whitham, a young athlete thriving within the NWSL, emphasizes her commitment to improvement—physically, mentally, and emotionally. She finds satisfaction in setting and achieving goals through hard work. As the youngest member of a burgeoning youth movement, she follows in the footsteps of Olivia Moultrie, who, at 15, won an antitrust lawsuit against the NWSL to challenge its age restrictions. The league later adopted a policy allowing teams to sign select under-18 players, opening doors for talents like Mak.
Her family approached her decision to make a professional debut with careful consideration. Having trained extensively with various NWSL teams, she signed with Gotham FC after demonstrating growth and success. Her father, Whitham, noted the family’s dedication to supporting her aspirations. Gotham’s management, including general manager Yael Averbuch West and head coach Juan Carlos Amorós, collaborates with the Whitham family to ensure Mak develops both as a player and an individual. They maintain regular meetings to discuss her progress in all areas.
Safeguards for young players in the league include trade protections until they turn 18, separate changing facilities from adult players, and support for housing and educational needs. Mak expresses gratitude for her supportive family, noting her father’s experience with the 1998 Team USA ski team during high school. She appreciates the sacrifices and challenges involved, relaying her reliance on both her parents for guidance—highlighting her mother’s role in helping her balance sports with school. Through collaboration and support, Mak is on a promising path in her athletic career.
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