Summary
Olivia Moultrie is 18 years old, but is playing in her fourth NWSL season for the Portland Thorns. She sued the NWSL in 2021 for her right to sign a contract at 15. Moultie made international headlines in 2019 when she decided to forego her college eligibility. The NWSL has gradually overhauled its Byzantine rules around players under 18. The number of under-18 players on each team doubled to four in 2024. San Diego Wave FC attacking sensation Jaedyn Shaw has scored in each of her first three professional games at age 17 in 2022. Moultrie's record as youngest NWSL signing was broken twice in a month last year. The NWSL might have changed the rules eventually, but there was no hurry to do so. Moultrie sued the NWSL in 2021 for her right to sign a contract at age 15. She says she is a "Type-A checklist" person who sometimes needs to be reminded that she should just enjoy the moment. Moultie is a clear focal point of the Thorns' midfield. Moultrie has three full seasons already under her belt. She is excited to raise the expectations for herself and to accept more responsibility. "I'm living, literally, my dream," she said.
