Makala Woods

Makala Woods signed for the Wellington Phoenix as an injury replacement for Tessel Middag at the start of 2026. 

The American forward had previously featured in the Icelandic top flight after an impressive college career at the University of Illinois and the University of Kentucky. 

She originally played as a defender before being converted further up the pitch in her sophomore year at Illinois.

The move paid off, as she scored a team-high 11 goals for Kentucky in 2024, and was named to the All-SEC (South Eastern Conference) first team.

2024/25 season

Makala Woods had a successful first pro season at Tindastóll in Iceland, scoring 9 times in 21 appearances while also adding two assists. 

She feels her stint in Europe has prepared her well for the step up to the A-League.

“It was a great rookie year. I got my foot in the door, I got all the nervousness out and the shakes and the jitters of my first year playing pro. 

“Now that I’ve got that all 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.

“I’m super excited to see a new country and cultures. I think it’s a great opportunity.”