Wellington Phoenix have re-signed Alyssa Whinham on a two-year contract extension set to run through to 2026.
The Liberty A-League fan favourite has played 38 games for the Phoenix across the last three years; the 20-year-old says her return to the Phoenix was no guarantee at the end of last season but after a character-building campaign in which she contemplated walking away from the game altogether, she’s ready to achieve big things with the Phoenix in the coming years.
“I’ve grown up watching the Phoenix, so it means a lot to me and my family,” Whinham 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.”
“I remember walking out at Porirua Park for our last game (of the 2023-24 season) 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.”
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“I went through a very low point (last season) where I didn’t really want to play football,” Whinham added.
“I had a big mentality change… it was a character-building thing. 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.”
Whinham is the 11th player signed to the ‘Nix ahead of the 2024-25 Liberty A-League season, with further signing announcements to come.
Head coach Paul Temple is preparing to become the first Phoenix coach to lead the club in multiple seasons, and has expressed his delight at securing Whinham’s services until 2026.
“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. 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.”
