Olivia Moultrie just signed her first professional soccer contract, which would be a milestone in any player’s career. But for Moultrie, it’s an even bigger deal, because it makes the 15-year-old the youngest NWSL player ever.
Yes, the newest member of the Portland Thorns has made history before making it into an official game, but Moultrie will tell you this is just the start of her journey. “Every coach has always told me there’s a lot you can do in training, but where you really grow and mature as a player is in games,” Moultrie said, according to ESPN. “And for that to finally be here, for me to take that next step and just continue to grow as a player . . . it’s just very exciting and I know this is where I’ll be able to grow the most.”
It’s been quite a winding road for Moultrie to even get to this point, because until now, players under the age of 18 weren’t allowed to play in the NWSL, period. So how did she get here, and what else should you know about this soccer star on the rise? Keep reading to find out.