“I am always thriving to improve, not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally,” he said. “And I would only say that it is a satisfaction of creating a goal and then achieving it. And work very hard and see all that hard work that really is worth it.”
Mak is the youngest in a growing youth movement within the NWSL, caused by Olivia Mourtie, then 19.
Mourtie, a Portland Thorns midfielder, won an antitrust demand against the NWSL that presented in 2021 to repeal the age requirement of the League for its players. In 2022, the League announced a policy that would allow teams to sign some players under 18 with restrictions.
It is not unknown that the male teams present teenage talent: Freddy Adu debuted for DC United in 2004 with only 14 years, the youngest person who will debut for any professional sport in the United States at that time. And 20 years later, Cavan Sullivan made his own debut in the MLS for the union of Philadelphia at age 14.
Mak’s father pointed out that the decision to let his own teenager make his professional debut was not lightly one that family members took lightly. He spent months training with multiple NWSL teams, in addition to his time that spent working with Gotham, before signing an agreement.
“She continued to have growth and success within that environment,” Whitham said. “Then, Mak wanted him, and we were committed to supporting his dreams.”
The general manager of Gotham, Yael Averbuch West, and chief coach Juan Carlos Amorós, have associated with the family to “make sure that he continues to grow not only in his game but as a person,” Whitham said.
“We have a very strong relationship with Gotham and we have meetings in an established cadence over all areas of its development in Gotham,” he added.
Some of the compulsory safeguards of the League for young players include trade protections until they turn 18, a changing area separately from adults, regular drug tests and requirements that the team helps pay for housing and school costs.
Mak says she is grateful to have a family that moves throughout the country to help her achieve her dream. He pointed out that his father’s sports career was similar, since he joined the ski team of the US 1998 team. When he was still in high school.
“He understands the sacrifices and understands the challenges that come with him,” Mak said. “So I’m really grateful to have it. And I also have my mother, she helps me with many things, as with education … I can go to her and have very good conversations.”
