15-year-old Barcenas becomes youngest NWSL player with San Diego Wave FC signing.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by ESPN
San Diego Wave has signed 15-year-old forward Melanie Barcenas to a three-year contract, making her the youngest player to sign a professional deal in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Barcenas, a San Diego native, played her youth career with San Diego Surf and spent time in the youth levels of the United States women's national team structure. She has joined the Wave through a new under-18 entry mechanism that allows NWSL teams to place eligible underage players into senior roster spots.