Alyssa Whinham Commits to Wellington Phoenix with New Two-Year Deal
Alyssa Whinham, a cornerstone player for Wellington Phoenix’s A-League Women’s squad, has penned a pivotal two-year contract extension, securing her tenure with the club until at least 2026. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder, who has amassed 38 appearances over the past three seasons, expressed her joy at continuing with the “very special club” she grew up admiring.
“I’ve grown up watching the Phoenix, so it means a lot to me and my family,” Whinham remarked. “It’s a privilege. I’ve been here from the start, and 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’s journey with the Phoenix has been one of perseverance and personal growth. After initially struggling for regular playing time, she turned a corner last season, starting six of the team’s final seven matches and making significant contributions to the squad’s performance.
“I went through a very low point where I didn’t really want to play football,” Whinham admitted. “But I took a mental break, came back stronger, and it paid off. Football is what I love, and I’m excited to continue proving myself in this league.”
Paul Temple, head coach of Wellington Phoenix, praised Whinham’s resilience and creative prowess, emphasizing her importance to the team’s future plans.
“She’s really important for our future because she’s that creative midfield player,” Temple affirmed. “She really found her feet and was contributing massively to games in the second half of the season particularly.”
Temple highlighted the significance of Whinham’s contract extension in providing stability both on and off the field, allowing her to focus on her continual growth and contributions to the team.
“Her life is with the Phoenix now, and so she can focus on her game and continual growth,” Temple added. “She’s gearing herself up to have a really strong season in the A-League.”
Whinham’s commitment to Wellington Phoenix signals a promising era for the club, bolstered by her renewed enthusiasm and determination to excel in the A-League Women’s competition. With Temple’s continued leadership and Whinham’s evolving role, the Phoenix look set to build on their recent successes and strive for further achievements in the seasons to come.
