San Diego Wave sign 17-year old midfielder Jaedyn Shaw

The San Diego Wave has signed 17-year old midfielder Jaedyn Shaw through the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League season. 

“I believe wholeheartedly in the development and investment in young players, and as a club, we are passionate about giving them the platform to perform,” head coach Casey Stoney said. “We are extremely excited to sign Jaedyn. She has a very bright future, and I look forward to working with her and supporting her pathway to the highest level.”

The midfielder entered the league through the discovery process earlier this month. Though she would have been eligible for the 2023 entry draft, league commissioner Jessica Berman granted the player special permission to enter in what she labeled a “special circumstance.”

Following the sign off by Berman, San Diego acquired her playing rights from the Washington Spirit as the player had trained with the D.C.-based team during preseason. 

Though Spirit head coach Kris Ward initially revealed the two sides were 'continuing to talk' while hoping for a trade, the deal went through without the reigning league champions. 

“I want to thank the Washington Spirit for providing me a professional training environment for the past six months,” said Shaw in a release. “I am very grateful for their support. I also want to thank the NWSL for facilitating a pathway for me to join the league and start my childhood dream of becoming a professional soccer player.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join San Diego Wave. I’m looking forward to learning from Casey Stoney and the staff while helping the team continue to win games and hopefully bring home a championship in the club’s inaugural year,” she continued. 

Shaw last featured for the USWNT Under-20 team, impressing viewers with two goals in three matches during the lead up to the Sud Ladies Cup title in France. She is expected to join the American side in next month’s FIFA U20 World Cup in Costa Rica.

The signing works as an exciting step forward for the expansion team, who already leads the league table with a 6W-3L-3D record.

San Diego returns to action against the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday, July 30.