“I’ve always thrived to get better, not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally,” she said. “And I’m going to say it’s satisfying to create a goal and achieve it, and to work really hard and see all that hard work really rewards.”
Mac is the youngest young people movement growing within the NWSL, caused by Olivia Moultrey, then 15 years old.
Portland Thorns midfielder Maultrey won an anti-trust lawsuit filed in 2021 against the NWSL in order to eliminate the age requirements for players’ leagues. In 2022, the league announced a policy that allows teams to sign several limited players under the age of 18.
It’s not unheard of for a boys team to feature teenage talent. Freddie Adou made her debut in 2004 at DC United at just 14 years old. And 20 years later, Cavan Sullivan made his own MLS debut for the Philadelphia Union at the age of 14.
Mac’s father said the decision to have his teenager make her professional debut was not someone the family took lightly. She spent months training with multiple NWSL teams, in addition to the time she spent working with Gotham before signing the contract.
“She continued to grow and succeed within that environment,” Wissam said. “So Mac wanted that and we promised to support her dreams.”
Gotham general manager Yael Averbuch West and head coach Juan Carlos Amorós have partnered with the family “to ensure that she continues to grow not only as a game but as a person.”
“We have a very strong relationship with Gotham and we are holding a meeting on set cadence on all areas of her development in Gotham,” he added.
The league mandatory safeguards for younger players include trade protections until the age of 18. It includes separate changing areas from adults until they turn 18, regular drug testing, and requirements to help the team pay for housing and schooling costs.
Mac says he is grateful that he has families traveling around the country to help her achieve her dreams. She noted that her father’s sports career was similar as he joined the 1998 Team USA ski team while he was still in high school.
“He understands the sacrifice and the challenges that come with it,” Mac said. “So I’m really grateful to have him. And I have a mother too. She helps with so many things like schooling… I can go to her and have a really good conversation.”
