The Washington Spirit signed midfielder Chloe Ricketts to a three-year deal, making the 15-year-old the youngest player to ever sign a contract with a National Women’s Soccer League franchise, the club announced Friday.
The contract also includes an option for 2026.
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Ricketts, a high school sophomore, signed her contract at 15 years, 283 days old on Thursday. Olivia Moultrie was three days older when she signed her contract with the Portland Thorns in June 2021.
Ricketts, who is from Dexter, Michigan, took part in training camp in January with the Spirit as a non-roster player.
Spirit signs youngest-ever player to NWSL contract!
— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) March 3, 2023
“This season, we remain very focused on building a roster that can help us succeed now while also investing in the future,” head coach Mark Parsons said in a team news release.
“Chloe has shown great quality with and without the ball and has an incredible intensity in everything she does. The vision and infrastructure of our club make this signing possible, and we look forward to Chloe developing and becoming an important player and teammate for our team.”
Ricketts will continue her education online. Under the league’s new under-18 entry mechanism, she must occupy a full roster spot and live with a parent or guardian until she turns 18. She also can’t be made available in an expansion draft, or traded or waived before she turns 18 without the consent of a parent or legal guardian.
“The opportunity to join the Washington Spirit on a professional contract is a dream come true,” Ricketts said. “I’m looking forward to continuing my development as a player and individual with the great resources here in the District.”