AUGUST 2 0 2 3 $ 6 . 9 5
MAKING WAVES: SD’S NEWEST
SOCCER STAR
15-year-old Melanie Barcenas, a Wave FC forward and the youngest player ever signed to the league. The San Diego native started training at age five with her dad and brother. She grew up scoring goals on local club teams and watching her idols play, including Wave FC captain Alex Morgan. She snagged Morgan’s jersey while spectating a Qualcomm Stadium game five years ago—and now they wear matching ones.
Melanie’s got no regrets about going pro while most of her peers are studying for their permit tests. “I knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” she says. “When it’s something you love, it’s like, ‘What’s next?’” The future is bright, Melanie. Good thing you’ve got shades. — AR
29 SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE
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