Foundation player Alyssa Whinham has signed a two-year deal to stay with women’s A-League club Wellington Phoenix till at least 2026.
Attacking midfielder Whinham (20) has played 38 matches for the Nix over the past three years and says she is delighted to continue at a “very special club.”
“I’ve grown up watching the Phoenix, so it means a lot to me and my family,” she said. “It’s a privilege.
“I’ve been here from the start and I’ve been through a lot, and I’ve developed a lot as a player and a person.
“And I have a lot more to give with the Phoenix.”
Whinham didn’t always know that she would be coming back.
“I remember walking out at Porirua Park for our last game and I thought that was my time up.
“To have two more years, I’m very glad. I’m going to use this to really prove myself in this league.”
The former New Zealand U-20 international proved herself to the team last season after struggling for regular minutes at the start of the campaign.
“I went through a very low point where I didn’t really want to play football.
“I had a big mentality change, took a wee break, then came back.
“It developed me a lot. It was a character-building thing.”
And she finished the season strongly, starting six of the team’s last seven games.
“I worked really hard mentally to make sure I am in a good place where I am confident, because then I can really add to the team.
“When I am confident, I can be myself and I can score goals.
“I knew I loved football and that football is what I want to do. The hard work paid off in the end.”
Alyssa Whinham is also happy to continue working with Paul Temple, who will become the first Phoenix head coach to lead the side in multiple seasons.
“We know what Paul’s like. We know how he wants to play.
“It’s nice that he’s sticking around and we don’t need to worry about the next coach.
“He’s excited to have me back, and I’m really excited to be back.”
Paul Temple is stoked to keep “one of the best young Kiwis around”.
“She’s really important for our future because she’s that creative midfield player,” Temple said.
“She really found her feet and was contributing massively to games in the second half of the season particularly.
“To carry on that momentum and to continue that journey is really exciting for our fanbase.”
Temple has heralded the two-year deal, believing it gives both Whinham and the club stability.
“Her life is with the Phoenix now, and so she can focus on her game and continual growth.
“She’s gearing herself up to have a really strong season in the A-League.”
Players signed for next season
Phoenix women’s head coach Paul Temple has 11 players contracted for the 2024-25 A-League season, with discussions continuing with other off-contract players.
The players signed are Alyssa Whinham, Carolina Vilão, Tiana Jaber, Emma Main, Marisa van der Meer, Mackenzie Barry, Olivia Ingham, Zoe McMeeken, Manaia Elliott, Daisy Brazendale and Rebecca Lake.
READ MORE: Phoenix sign goalkeeper Carolina Vilão from Portugese title winners Benfica >>>>
READ MORE: Defender Tiana Jaber becomes ninth women’s A-League signing for Phoenix >>>>
READ MORE: Wellington Phoenix agree new contract to keep forward Emma Main >>>>
READ MORE: Defender Marisa van der Meer signs new deal with Wellington Phoenix >>>>
READ MORE: Wellington Phoenix sign new deal with women’s vice captain Rebecca Lake >>>>
Players who are leaving
Players who have departed the Wellington Phoenix after the expiry of their contracts include Football Ferns Kate Taylor and Grace Wisnewski.
American imports Mariana Speckmaier, Hope Breslin and Hailey Davidson have left, with Davidson signing for hometown club Dallas Trinity who will play in the new USL Super League.
Last season’s leading scorer Speckmaier has signed for A-League rivals Melbourne City.
Goalkeepers Rylee Foster and Brianna Edwards have become free agents and have left the Phoenix.
Forward Kelli Brown becomes a free agent after completing her second stint at the Phoenix.
READ MORE: Wellington Phoenix ‘keepers Brianna Edwards and Rylee Foster to leave club >>>>
READ MORE: Midfielders Grace Wisnewski and Hope Breslin leave Wellington Phoenix >>>>
READ MORE: Out-of-contract Kate Taylor and Kelli Brown to leave Wellington Phoenix >>>>
READ MORE: Wellington Phoenix fullback heads home to Dallas to join new pro’ league club>>>>
READ MORE: Melbourne City unveil Mariana Speckmaier as new season signing >>>>
This story was first published on July 12, 2024.
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