The Wellington Phoenix have parted ways with Zoe McMeeken.
The athletic fullback has been an integral member of the Phoenix women’s team since it was established in 2021 and is one of only three players to have played 50 Ninja A-League games for the club.
McMeeken, 21, featured 19 times for the Nix last season and scored her maiden A-League goal against Sydney FC in December.
Director of football Shaun Gill has thanked McMeeken for her contribution to the club.
“Zoe has been a popular member of the team since she started the women’s very first game as a 17-year-old,” Gill said.
“She has achieved a lot at the Phoenix since and is in a rare group to have played a half century of A-League matches, and has represented New Zealand at two FIFA U-20 World Cups.
“Zoe has also been a key player for the women’s reserves and was influential in their run to the semi-finals of last year’s Kate Sheppard Cup.
“We wish here all the best with the next step in her football career.”
McMeeken has expressed gratitude to the club.
“Thanks so much to the Phoenix for the past four years,” she said. “You helped me grow as a person and a player.
“I’m excited to take what I’ve learned to a new environment to push myself overseas even further.”
The Phoenix can also confirm fellow former New Zealand age-group international Amelia Abbott has not been offered a new contract for the 2025-26 A-League.
Abbott made four substitute appearances for the Nix last season, having joined the team in December after finishing her final exam at the University of Texas.
“Thank you so much to the Phoenix,” she said. “I’m grateful to have met such a great group of people.
“I wish them all the best for the upcoming season. Up the Nix!”
The club also wishes Abbott all the best for the next step in her football career.
The Wellington Phoenix have 15 players contracted for the 2025-26 Ninja A-League season and plan to make further squad announcements over the coming weeks.
