San Diego Wave, defender agree to 3-year contract extension

During her first two seasons with the San Diego Wave, defender Kennedy Wesley has appeared in 25 matches, starting 21 of them.

There will be plenty more in her future.

The Wave and Wesley agreed Wednesday to a three-year contract extension through the end of the 2028 season. The club’s first-round pick in 2024, Wesley has been the team’s most accurate passer this season. Her 93% rate is tied for best among National Women’s Soccer League defenders.

The Wave (8-4-5) will play at the Seattle Reign (7-5-5) on Friday night.

“Kennedy has made an incredible impact on this team both on and off the field,” said Wave sporting director and general manager Camille Ashton. “She is a true professional who, over the past one-and-a-half seasons, has shown she can compete at the very highest level. We are excited she chose to continue to be part of this club for years to come as we continue to build a championship culture and strive for sustained success.”

Wesley grew up in Seal Beach and attended Stanford, winning a national championship in 2019 and graduating as the Cardinal’s all-time leader with 104 matches played. The Wave selected Wesley with the 12th overall pick in the ’24 draft.

Wesley, 24, called the extension “such an important moment in my professional journey,” noting that San Diego has become home.

“To play for this city, for these fans, and to be part of this community is so special,” she said. “Also, to play close to where I grew up and near my family is something every professional dreams of, so I am extremely thankful to the club for this opportunity to continue representing San Diego.”