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Written by Trent Toon, Church News
In her fourth season with the Portland Thorns, Olivia Moultrie is already making a big impact in the National Women's Soccer League. This not only affects the ability of 18-year-old players to play, but also the NWSL's age regulations.
In 2021, Moultrie successfully sued the NWSL for the right to sign a contract at age 15, sparking the league's youth movement. The NWSL has since adjusted its rules and most clubs now have some players under the age of 18.
Moultrie, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was featured in an April 18 ESPN article about her role in the NWSL's youth movement.
“I think it's cool right now that we're just getting more autographs because of that,” Moultrie told ESPN. “Obviously, that wasn't the intention, but of course it's pretty cool to see the game grow that way, because that was the intention all along. [if] You are well enough, you are old enough.
“There shouldn't be any numbers that will stop you from going there.” [your goal]”
Moultrie signed a sponsorship deal with Nike at age 13, and became the youngest player in NWSL history at age 15.
Earlier this year, she was thrilled to be named the U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year, an honor given to the top players within the U.S. Youth National Team system.
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