The NWSL is loaded with young talent who continue to make history year in and year out. More of this history was made this summer, as Ainsley McCammon posted two assists during the Seattle Reign’s victory in San Diego.
This performance by the 18-year-old shot her into the record books, making her the youngest player in NWSL history with a multi-assist game. This record is just another milestone for McCammon, who continues to ascend to stardom in a soccer journey that is far from over.
Ascending Through the Youth Scene
Ainsley McCammon grew up in Bedford, Texas, which sits right in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The DFW is where McCammon would (rather quickly) cement herself as an elite midfield talent in the U.S. soccer scene.
She played her club soccer with Solar SC, where she would go on to lead the club to win the 2023 ECNL national championship. During her time with Solar, McCammon was named as an All-American twice. Her play on the pitch was so successful that Nike would go on to sign her to an endorsement deal at just 16 years of age.
Making Her Mark for America
While McCammon’s achievements as a youth at the club level were nothing short of remarkable, her achievements internationally during that same period hit a similar level. She started things out by helping the U.S. win the 2022 CONCACAF U-15 Championship, in which the U.S. went undefeated throughout a tournament that was capped with a 4-1 victory over Canada in the final.
Fast-forward a few years later, and McCammon is captaining the U-17 national team, where they would go on to win the 2024 CONCACAF U-17 Championship. Later that year, McCammon would lead the squad to a third place finish at the 2024 U-17 Women’s World Cup. This tournament result would not only mark the U-17 team’s best result in 16 years, but would also put McCammon on the radar of Emma Hayes and the senior national team.
Ascending Through the NWSL Ranks
During the same time period when McCammon was captaining the U-17 national team to championships, she would sign her pro contract with the Seattle Reign. This landmark deal made McCammon one of the youngest contract-signers in NWSL history, having signed on with Seattle about a month before turning 17 years old.
Since signing to the NWSL in 2024, McCammon has seen a consistent uptick in usage. Her 2024 rookie season featured getting minutes in two games during the NWSL x La Liga Summer Cup. In 2025, she started to really get involved, starting seven games and getting in on another ten. During this sophomore campaign, McCammon scored her first professional goal (in a playoff-clinching win for Seattle) and started her first ever NWSL playoff game.
Jump to 2026, and McCammon has continued to grow into her role with the Reign. She has already passed her total minutes played since 2025, as well posted four assists in 14 games. Of course, the highlight of the season thus far came in San Diego on July 26, in which McCammon passed Trinity Rodman and Olivia Moultrie as the youngest player ever with a multi-assist game.
Whether it be at the youth level, international scene or the NWSL, Ainsley McCammon has continued to evolve as a player, thus leading to more wins and more records. While McCammon will certainly be a help in Seattle’s playoff aspirations this season, the Reign can rest easy knowing they’ll have this marvelous midfielder for years to come.
Featured image via @ainsley.mccammon
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