On Monday afternoon, San Diego Wave FC announced the signing of midfielder Jaedyn Shaw to a contract through 2023.
At 17 years old, Shaw will be forgoing her NCAA eligibility and entering the NWSL through the Discovery Process. She is the second American teenager to be given an exemption to enter the league before she turns 18 after the Portland Thorns signed Olivia Moultrie in 2021. The Wave must comply with safeguarding rules as part of signing Shaw to a pro-contract.
Shaw is currently a starter for the U-20 United States National Team where she most recently helped the team win the Sud Ladies Cup. She has been training with the Washington Spirit since the 2022 preseason.
Jason Anderson of Pro Soccer Wire reported that a source close to the Spirit said the Wave asked for $250,000 in exchange for Shaw's NWSL playing rights at one point. Ultimately, San Diego was higher in the Discovery Process rankings than Washington and therefore was awarded the right to sign Shaw.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join San Diego Wave,” Shaw said. “I’m looking forward to learning from [Wave FC head coach] Casey Stoney and the staff while helping the team continue to win games and hopefully bring a championship in the clubs inaugural year.”
WELP https://t.co/LBsP21u0AS pic.twitter.com/CJRtwjC6BY
— ugh (@838_carlisle) July 18, 2022
Stoney also expressed her glee with signing the prodigious midfielder. “We are extremely excited to sign Jaedyn,” Stoney said. “She has a very bright future and I look forward to working with her and supporting her pathway to the highest level.”
A Dallas native, Shaw played for FC Dallas as well as the Solar Soccer Club before training with the Spirit this season. She will become the second youngest American to play in the NWSL, after Moultrie, should she make her debut for San Diego this season. Shaw will turn 18 in November.
Wave FC is currently in first place at the midway point this season and next play the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday, July 30.