The Utah Royals made a historic move Wednesday.
The team signed 15-year-old KK Ream to its roster. Ream is now the club’s youngest player ever, passing 20-year-old Ally Sentnor, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NWSL draft.
“We are excited to have KK officially join the squad as the youngest ever Royals player and start her career here in her home state,” sporting director Kelly Cousins said in a statement. “At just 15, she has proven that she is ready to be part of the professional environment, and we are looking forward to fostering her development on the field and as a member of the Utah community.”
Ream is not the youngest player signed to an NWSL contract. Earlier this year, Gotham FC signed a contract with McKenna Whitham days before her 14th birthday, according to ESPN.
Ream’s contract with the Royals goes through the 2027 season.
Who is KK Ream?
Ream was born in Utah and plays for the Utah Avalanche. She previously attended the Utah Royals FC AZ academy before transferring to RSL Arizona to play with the boys team for three years from 2020 to 2022, according to the Royals. Her twin brother, Linkon Ream, attends Real Salt Lake academy.
“Can’t wait to be part of this team. Can’t wait to see you all in 2025,” KK Ream said in a video the Royals shared on social media.
Ream has played for the U.S. youth national team, including at the U-15 CONCACAF championship this year. She converted one of the penalty kicks in the penalty shootout to help the U.S. advance to the final, which it won for the fourth consecutive year.