The Wellington Phoenix have added an exciting attacker to the women’s squad for the remainder of the 2025-26 Ninja A-League.
The Phoenix have signed American forward Makala Woods as a replacement for Dutch midfielder Tessel Middag, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the team’s opening match.
Woods, 23, played professionally in Iceland last year after an impressive college career at the University of Illinois and University of Kentucky.
Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman says Woods is exactly the kind of player she has been looking for.
“I was really keen to bring someone into the squad that will not only enhance us but will add a different problem for our opponents,” Priestman said. “I think Makala will do that.
“She’s experienced. She went to really good NCAA schools, she’s played professionally in Iceland and along the way she’s scored goals.
“Makala will definitely add a different dynamic to the frontline.
“I’m really excited to see how she fits into this team and complements some of the forwards that we’ve already got.”
Makala Woods arrived in Wellington on Sunday (January 4) and is looking forward to showing her new teammates and the club’s fans what she’s all about.
“I’m super gritty,” Woods said. “Everyone in American soccer is strong, fast and athletic so you’ve got to get down, get dirty and do the hard things.
“That’s the type of player I am. Some people might be better skilled, but no one is going to work harder than me.”
Originally a defender, Woods has only been playing as a forward since her sophomore year at the University of Illinois.
It’s where she has thrived. Woods led the University of Kentucky with 11 goals in 2024 and was named to the all Southeastern Conference (SEC) first team.
“I do miss defending every day, but I wouldn’t take it back. It was the perfect decision and probably the best thing that came out of being at the University of Illinois was me being moved forward.
“I have a lot more freedom up top and I get to make a few more mistakes, without them being critical.
“And I think I’m able to take what I’ve learned as a defender and bring it into my game as a forward. It’s been really beneficial to me.”
She gained her first professional experience with Tindastóll in Iceland last year.
“It was a great rookie year. I got my foot in the door, I got all of the nervousness out and the shakes and the jitters of being my first year playing pro.
“Now that I’ve got all of that out of the way and I know what it’s like to be in a professional environment, it will set me up to be successful in the future.”
Woods can’t wait to play on the other side of the globe.
“I had a best friend (Newcastle Jets’ Bel Rolley) who played in the A-League and she absolutely adored it.
“I was like, ‘why not? I’ve got to head down there and see it for myself’.
“I’m super excited to see a new country and meet new people and cultures. I think it’s a great opportunity.”
Makala Woods will wear the no. 31 shirt for the Wellington Phoenix and is a chance of making her club debut against Melbourne City at Porirua Park this Saturday.
