13-year-old phenom Olivia Moultrie signs with Nike, eyes pro career

American youth soccer phenom Olivia Moultrie, a 13-year-old midfielder from Southern California, made history this week by taking the first steps toward embarking on a professional career.

Moultrie, who had previously committed to the University of North Carolina at age 11, has decided to forgo her amateur status. This week, she appointed the Wasserman Media Group sports agency as her representation, and promptly signed an endorsement deal to become an official Nike athlete.

In another move signaling her seriousness about going pro sooner rather than later, Moultrie has announced her intention to move to the Portland, Ore. area where she will join the Thorns FC Academy program. Although current rules prevent her from signing a pro contract until she turns 18, Moultrie’s move to the National Women’s Soccer League club’s Academy system brings her another step closer to becoming a pro.

Keeping her options open, Moultrie has also spent time training overseas with European clubs Olympique Lyon and Paris St.-Germain in France, and Bayern Munich in Germany.

There has been speculation that Moultrie could eventually become the beneficiary of future rule changes that would allow her to play either domestically or abroad before she turns 18. But until then, existing FIFA and NWSL age limits will keep her waiting.

Along with her dominance in U.S. club competition, most recently with Beach FC Academy, Moultrie has represented U.S. Youth National Teams at the U-14 and U-15 levels. She helped the U.S. U-15 Girls National Team win the Concacaf Championship title in 2018.

13-year-old Olivia Moultrie turns pro, will sign a contract with Nike

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— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 26, 2019