Soccer Phenom Olivia Moultrie, 15, Just Became the Youngest NWSL Player Ever

Published on 7/1/2021 at 6:40 PM

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.

Olivia Moultrie Sued the NWSL to Be Able to Play

In May, Moultrie filed an antitrust lawsuit against the NWSL and its rule prohibiting players under the age of 18, arguing that it violated the Sherman Antitrust Act while negatively impacting Moultrie's career development. Moultrie's lawyers argued that the rule was "irrational" and "sexist," with Moultrie explaining, "If I were French or if I were Spanish or if I were German, I would be allowed to play right now. The only thing I want is the same chance that males have everywhere in the world, including here, and the same chance that females have everywhere in the world except here."

A judge granted a preliminary injunction in June that stopped the NWSL from enforcing the age rule, thus allowing Moultrie to sign with the Portland Thorns. In addition, the NWSL stated that the age rule will be discussed during collective bargaining agreement talks with the NWSL Players Association, which are ongoing. By fighting for her right to play, Moultrie is changing the league even before her first game.

Olivia Moultrie Received Her First Scholarship Offer at Age 11

Moultrie's talent was obvious from a young age, as evidenced by the University of North Carolina offering her a soccer scholarship at the age of 11. UNC's women's soccer program is the stuff of legends, having produced USWNT stars like Mia Hamm, Tobin Heath, Crystal Dunn, and Heather O'Reilly, and Moultrie called the offer an "honor."

Olivia Moultrie Signed With Nike in 2019 at Age 13

Moultrie, who was born in California, began her professional journey after opting out of UNC at age 13. She signed a nine-year, six-figure endorsement deal with Nike and was featured in the brand's famous "Dream Crazier" campaign. (Catch her at 1:14 in the video above, just between Simone Biles and Simone Manuel.)

Olivia Moultrie Has Trained With the U-17 US Women's National Team

Even as she celebrated her legal victory and the signing of her first contract, Moultrie's goals "are a lot bigger." Do those goals include playing for the US Women's National Team (USWNT) one day? She's named the team as one of her biggest inspirations and certainly could be on track to join them one day, most recently training with the U-17 national team during a 24-player camp in February 2020.