San Diego Wave FC have confirmed the signing of wonder-kid 15-year-old Melanie Barcenas from San Diego Surf. She becomes the youngest NWSL player, replacing Chloe Ricketts of Washington Spirit.
Barcenas signs for Wave on a three-year deal through the 2025. Barcenas breaks the record previously held by Chloe Ricketts, the 15-year-old midfielder who signed for Washington Spirit earlier in March.
“I’m very excited to sign my first professional contract with my hometown team, San Diego Wave,” Barcenas said. “It’s been a dream of mine to not just play in the NWSL but to have the opportunity to represent this city since the announcement of the Wave last year. I know I am young, but the team and coaching staff have been amazing, and I look forward to learning from them every day as I continue to develop.”
San Diego Wave gaffer Casey Stoney said, “We are very happy that Melanie and her family have decided to entrust her hometown club as the place for her to begin her professional career.”
Stoney said, “The coaches at San Diego Surf have been instrumental in helping her develop as a person and as a player for her entire youth career. We’re excited to maximize her potential through the coming years, while being patient and deliberate in advancing her development while ensuring she retains some routine and normalcy of being a teenager.”
Melanie Barcenas is three months younger than previous record holder for the youngest NWSL player Chloe Ricketts. The deal is testament to the burgeoning relationship between Surf and Wave.
