Foundation player Alyssa Whinham has committed to the Wellington Phoenix through to 2026.
The attacking midfielder has signed a new contract with the Phoenix for the next two Liberty A-League seasons.
Whinham, 20, has played 38 matches for the Nix over the past three years and is delighted to continue at a “very special club.”
“I’ve grown up watching the Phoenix, so it means a lot to me and my family,” she said. “It’s a privilege.
“I’ve been here from the start, 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.”
Whinham didn’t always know that she would be coming back.
“I remember walking out at Porirua Park for our last game 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.”
The former New Zealand U-20 international proved herself to the team last season after struggling for regular minutes at the start of the campaign.
“I went through a very low point where I didn’t really want to play football.
“I had a big mentality change, took a wee break, then came back.
“It developed me a lot. It was a character-building thing.”
And she finished the season strongly, starting six of the team’s last seven games.
“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.”
Alyssa Whinham is also happy to continue working with Paul Temple, who will become the first Phoenix head coach to lead the side in multiple seasons.
“We know what Paul’s like, we know how he wants to play.
“It’s nice that he’s sticking around and we don’t need to worry about the next coach.
“He’s excited to have me back, and I’m really excited to be back.”
Paul Temple is stoked to keep “one of the best young Kiwis around”.
“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.”
Temple has heralded the two-year deal, believing it gives both Whinham and the club stability.
“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.”
Alyssa Whinham is the 11th player under contract with the Wellington Phoenix women for the 2024-25 Liberty A-League season, with discussions continuing with other off-contract players.
