The Wellington Phoenix have added some extra athleticism and technical quality to the women’s squad for the 2026-27 Ninja A-League.
The Phoenix have signed American wingback Kam Pickett for the upcoming season.
Pickett played at Pepperdine University in California and Clemson University in South Carolina from 2020-2024 before her first professional season with Fram Reykjavik in Iceland last year.
She is the younger sister of Kiki Pickett, who plays for San Diego Wave FC in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman is delighted to have signed someone of Pickett’s calibre.
“Kam is a very diligent, high performing person with good character,” Priestman said. “And her athleticism and technical ability will really help the squad move forward next season.
“She had an impressive first year as a professional in Iceland, which is where Makala Woods joined us from, and she played for a very high quality NCAA programme before that.
“During the recruitment process Kam came across as a great fit for the group, which is a very important factor.
“She’s watched a lot of our games, understands what’s expected tactically and she asked some really good questions.
“Kam also met with a couple of our players to understand what she’s coming to. That tells me that this step in her career is also very important to her.
“I’m really excited Kam’s chosen to continue her footballing journey with the Phoenix.”
Kam Pickett prides herself on her work ethic and is looking forward to showcasing that to fans at Porirua Park.
“I don’t stop working and I try to give my all on the field,” Pickett said.
“If I fall, I’ll get back up and you’ll see me moving around on the field a lot.
“And it’s always a goal of mine to get my name on the stats sheet with assists and goals.
“I love attacking as I enjoy getting the opportunity to finish.”
Pickett spoke to Nix forward Makala Woods about making the move from Iceland.
“Makala was talking about how amazing her experience was in Wellington, which is one of the reasons I decided to come over.
“I’m very excited to play with her but also play on the team that made her season so great.”
And she is looking forward to showing what she’s capable of in the A-League.
“I’ve heard it’s a really good competition and the fact that Wellington did so well last season I’m more excited to join and hopefully this season we’ll be able to go all the way.
“Personally I’m expecting to improve on myself and my skills while I’m in the A-League, knowing the competition is strong. I’m expecting to be at the top of my game.”
The Wellington Phoenix now have 15 women’s players contracted for the 2026-27 Ninja A-League season, with further squad announcements to follow in the coming weeks.
