Wave re-sign Melanie Barcenas for 2026 season

The San Diego Wave’s ever-evolving roster will include Melanie Barcenas after all.

The club announced Wednesday it has re-signed the Clairemont native for the 2026 season.

Just 18 years old, Barcenas has already been a key part of the Wave’s history. The forward signed with San Diego in 2023 at age 15, becoming the youngest player at the time to agree to terms with a National Women’s Soccer League club. She made her Wave debut later that season, and has appeared in a total of 34 matches, logging two goals and an assist.

The Wave announced Dec. 9 that it was negotiating a new deal with Barcenas, whose deal was up after the 2025 season.

“Being able to play for San Diego means a lot to me,” said Barcenas. “This city is where I grew up and where I first fell in love with the game. I have learned a lot in my first seasons, and I know there is more I can give. I am excited to get back on the field and keep representing this club and community.”

Wave sporting director Camille Ashton said Barcenas “represents what it means to come through San Diego and compete with pride at the professional level.”

“We’re proud to keep her in San Diego and look forward to supporting her next phase of development,” she added.

It’s been a busy week for the Wave. The club signed Florida State defender Mimi Van Zanten and Virginia midfielder Lia Godfrey to multi-year contracts and announced it had mutually agreed to part ways with longtime goalkepeer Kailen Sheridan.

The team is just six weeks away from its first exhibition match of the 2026 season, a Feb. 15 pairing against the Kansas City Current at the Coachella Valley Invitational in Indio.