Moultrie, at just 18 years old, is already in her fourth NWSL season with the Portland Thorns. Her lawsuit against the NWSL in 2021 challenged the league's age restrictions and set off a chain reaction that has led to a youth movement across the league.
Following her legal victory, the NWSL revised its rules to allow teams to sign players under 18, leading to a wave of young stars making their mark in the league. Players like Jaedyn Shaw, Claire Hutton, and Alyssa Thompson have all made significant impacts at a young age, with Shaw even setting records for the U.S. women's national team.
Moultrie's decision to forego college eligibility at age 13 and sign a contract with Nike set her on a unique path to professional soccer. Despite facing challenges due to FIFA and NWSL regulations, Moultrie's determination and legal battle opened doors for herself and future young players.
Now a key player for the Thorns and a recent call-up to the USWNT, Moultrie continues to push herself to new heights. With aspirations to be the best player in the world, she sets high standards for herself and aims to achieve success both individually and with her team.
Moultrie's impact on the NWSL goes beyond her own achievements, as she has paved the way for a new generation of young talent to thrive in professional soccer. Her journey serves as an inspiration for players who are not only good enough but also determined enough to pursue their dreams at any age.
