Jake Fenner
July 29, 2024 04:36, updated July 29, 2024 04:38
When McKenna “Mac” Witham stepped onto the pitch for Gotham FC, she broke a record set earlier this year as the youngest player to make her first division debut in American sports.
Just a few days ago, Witham signed with Gotham, becoming the youngest player to sign an NWSL contract at 13 years and 364 days old.
Then, the day after her 14th birthday, she appeared on the pitch in the 80th minute of her new club's NWSL x Liga MX Summer Cup match at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania.
Gotham won the match 1-0 and afterwards, Wissam appeared to be overcome with the emotion of the moment.
She broke the record that had been set just 11 days earlier in the very stadium where 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan of the Philadelphia Union made his MLS debut.
Sullivan, who is 10 months older than Witham, broke the record previously held by former DC United star Freddy Adu.
“I am incredibly excited to sign with Gotham FC and begin my professional career,” Wissam said in a statement after signing the contract.
“Gotham FC is the perfect place for me to continue to push myself as a player. I can't wait to work alongside the great players, coaches and staff at Gotham FC and continue to develop as a player.”
Witham was able to avoid the NWSL Draft thanks to the NWSL's Under-18 Entry System and sign a contract with the New Jersey-based club.
Witham signed a name, image and likeness deal with Nike earlier this year, making him the youngest athlete ever to sign such a deal with the Oregon-based brand.
The record for the youngest professional player in American sports was set in 2023 when Davian Kimbrough made his debut for Sacramento Republic FC in the USL Championship second division at the age of 13 years, 5 months and 13 days.
