San Diego Wave announced the signing of centerback Kristen McNabb to a contract extension through the 2027 season.
“We’re thrilled to reach an agreement on a contract extension with Kristen and keep her in San Diego,” said Sporting Director and General Manager Camille Ashton. “As a ten-season veteran, (McNabb) exemplifies professionalism, consistency, and a team-first mentality that is instrumental to this team’s success and what we want to achieve as a club.”
McNabb joined the Wave via the 2022 NWSL
Expansion Draft, and is the only remaining player from the club’s inaugural roster. She also leads the team all-time in appearances with 88, and has appeared in 32 consecutive matches for the Southern California club.
“San Diego has become home to me, and I’m incredibly grateful to continue my career with this club,“ said Kristen McNabb. ”Building this club from the start and to continue that journey is something I don’t take lightly. We’ve created something special here and I’m excited to keep competing with this group and chasing what we know this team is capable of.”
The 32-year-old centerback is now in her 10th NWSL season, and still making important contributions to the Wave backline. In the Wave’s last matchup against Denver Summit she made multiple goal-line saves and clearances in efforts to keep Denver from extending their lead ultimately paving the way for the fifth year club to mount a three-goal comeback in the second half.
“(McNabb’s) amazing and I don’t think she gets all the credit that she deserves. She’s such a solid player and plays with a level of maturity and experience that has such a positive effect on the group,” Wave co-captain Kennedy Wesley said after the teams victory on Saturday. “A goal line save is just a part of who she is and the impact she’s able to have out on the field. It’s an honor to share the field with her, I think nothing but the world of her.”
San Diego hold the top spot in the NWSL standings, and have won their last five matches. They play one of their biggest games of the season in a top-two matchup on the road against the second-place Portland Thorns on Wednesday, April 29.
