Wellington Phoenix and Football Ferns rookie Macey Fraser has created Women's A-League history, attracting a record transfer fee to join Utah Royals in the US National Women's Soccer League.
After just one season in the Australian competition, Fraser, 21, will compete in one of the world's top women's competitions, containing most of the powerful US national team players.
"It's an unreal opportunity," said Fraser. "I came into the [Phoenix] academy not knowing if I even wanted to play football anymore, so this season has been huge for me
"[Coach Paul Temple] has helped me enjoy the game again. I'm really grateful for the Phoenix for giving me the chance to play professional football."
After representing New Zealand at the U17 and U20 Women's World Cups, Fraser signed a three-year deal with the Phoenix last August - the longest women's contract with the club - and quickly showed why, scoring in her second appearance and slotting a miracle free-kick against Western United a month later.
Her performances quickly catapulted her into the New Zealand team and has since made five appearances for the Ferns, including two recent friendlies against Thailand.
"I look back at the past season and just think, 'Wow, I've grown so much'," she said. "Coming into professional football is really eye-opening, but I've learnt how to be a professional on and off the field.
"It's excited me, and made me want to keep learning and grow. I want to be the best player I can be.
"I want to show everybody what I can do and how hard I'm willing to work to do it."
Football Ferns captain Ali Riley is the only other Kiwi in the NWSL - she is also skipper of Angel City.
After four games, Utah sit one off the bottom of the competition table with just one win.
"Macey is a player that can make an immediate impact on our team," said Utah sporting director Kelly Cousins. "Not only does she have the temperament, but has the technical and physical abilities to succeed in the NWSL.
"We are excited to welcome her to the club and to watch her develop here in Utah."
The deal is also a boost for the Phoenix development programme and shows a legitimate professional pathway for other young Kiwis players.
"This is a red letter day for Macey and the club," said director of football Shaun Gill. "She’s been one of the best talents in New Zealand for several years and it's great the Phoenix have been able to help her realise that potential.
"Her move shows the high performance pathway we've created for female footballers in Aotearoa. Macey was one of the first women to join the club's academy in 2021 and after one season with our A-League programme, she is about to join a team playing in one of the top leagues in the world.
"We wish her all the best at the Royals and we look forward to helping our other players realise their footballing dreams abroad."
