San Diego Wave secures rising defensive talent to build a stronger future | OneFootball

San Diego Wave FC announced the signing of young defender Quincy McMahon from UCLA. A contract valid through 2027 now ushers in the professional career of a player who has already turned heads in the college soccer scene and through her time with the USWNT youth national teams. This three-year deal, starting in January 2025, is another smart move by the club to invest in the future and solidify its defense.

A talent developed at UCLA

At 21, Quincy McMahon has a pretty dazzling college soccer résumé. She has had outstanding numbers the last four seasons with the Bruins: 26 assists, 8 goals in 86 matches - 78 of which she had started. The best moment so far in her collegiate career is surely in 2022, when she had a very important participation in UCLA's national title triumph.

In addition to her seven assists, which ranked among the conference leaders, McMahon was a versatile defender who blended solid defensive skills with the ability to support the attack. She ranked in UCLA's Top 10 in assists during both her junior and senior seasons and finished her college career 8th all-time in program history for assists.

Individual awards and accolades that speak to her impact include Big Ten Tournament MVP (2024), Second Team All-Region (2023, 2024), Second Team All-Big Ten (2024), and two First Team All-Pac-12 selections (2022, 2023). A mix of technique, consistency, and leadership in key moments sets McMahon apart and positions her as a legitimate NWSL prospect.

International experience and youth national team success

Quincy McMahon does not stop at the collegiate field. She has competed for the USWNT youth national teams at various stages, such as U-18, U-19, U-20, and U-23. Getting into such groups is not easy because it involves much more than talent-it asks for mentality and the desire to grow under pressure.

Even in high school, some signs of McMahon's brilliant future were shown. Name Gatorade State Player of the Year in Indiana for 2020-21 and a United Soccer Coaches All-American, she closed her final high school season with eye-catching numbers: 19 goals and 21 assists. These kinds of performances made her one of the most promising young defenders across the nation.

San Diego Wave is the perfect fit for her

McMahon’s signing is part of a clear strategy by San Diego Wave to blend youth and experience within its squad. Sporting Director and General Manager Camille Ashton emphasized this point: “Quincy has proven herself as a standout defender at every level she’s played and has been disciplined in her pursuit of becoming a professional player. We’re excited to see her progression at the NWSL level.”

At the age of just 21 years, McMahon finds her place among the growing core of youth and talent-she now is the sixth player in the roster under the age of 23. It is volumes being said about the long-term vision that San Diego Wave is making its core focus, competing not just now but in many seasons down the road.