Coach Jonas Eidevall was addressing his team when he paused, turned to his left, and made a proud announcement — San Diego Wave center back Trinity Armstrong had earned a spot on the National Women’s Soccer League’s Best XI for May.
As the team clapped, Armstrong spoke up.
“I was wondering why you were looking at me,” she said.
It was a unique moment for Armstrong and a historic one for the NWSL. Armstrong, 17, is the youngest player in NWSL history to be named to the league’s team of the month.
Armstrong said she “had no idea” she had been honored.
“I was very shocked, and I didn’t even know how to process it,” Armstrong said. “I think it’s truly amazing that I was able to be named to the team, especially being one of the youngest ever.”
The Wave (6-3-2) travel to the Houston Dash (3-6-2) on Friday night looking to climb even further in the NWSL standings. They sit in fourth place in the 14-team NWSL, trailing only the Kansas City Current, Orlando Pride and Washington Spirit. The Wave have scored 22 goals through their first 11 matches this season after scoring just 24 goals in 26 matches last season.
Armstrong and the Wave’s defense allowed only four goals in four May matches, and one of them came on a penalty. In addition to her defensive play, Armstrong scored and logged two assists during the month.
Her first career goal came at a critical time.
The Wave and Bay FC were tied 1-1 during injury time in their May 4 match when Armstrong sent a to teammate Adriana Leon. Leon’s shot was deflected out for a corner kick. Time was ticking, being on the back side of the 94th minute. San Diego’s Kenza Dali sent the ball into the box and to Armstrong, who jumped over the defender and headed in her first professional goal. The Wave won 2-1, and Armstrong became the youngest player in league history to score a stoppage-time game-winner.
“I heading the ball, and then in between, I think I blacked out a little bit, and then I ed it going into the goal, and I was so excited,” Armstrong said.
Making things sweeter: Armstrong had been beaten for the game-tying goal earlier in the match.
A championship — and a new challenge
Armstrong has more life experience than her age would indicate.
She graduated early from high school, then spent one season at the University of North Carolina.
There’s pressure when you play at a powerhouse like UNC, but Armstrong said she learned valuable lessons.
“I played 29 games in a span of three-and-a-half months,” Armstrong said. “That’s a lot on the body, and it first taught me how important recovery is, and then how to advocate for yourself and how to manage yourself. Then, third, you have to be resilient.”
The Tar Heels went on to win the NCAA Division I championship, beating Wake Forest 1-0 in the title game. Armstrong played all 90 minutes.
UNC outscored its six NCAA Tournament opponents by an aggregate score of 18-1. Her team’s dominance led Armstrong to look for a new challenge.
She wanted to turn pro. And, unlike so many college athletes in other sports, she could pick her spot.
The NWSL got rid of the draft following the 2024 season, allowing teams to sign whichever amateurs they want (and can afford). The Wave signed Armstrong in mid-January — five weeks following UNC’s championship win.
Youth movement
The Wave were coming off a 2-0 loss to Kansas City when Eidevall inserted Armstrong into the starting lineup.
San Diego won that April 19 match against Racing Louisville, posting four goals. Armstrong has remained a starter ever since, providing quality play on both sides of the ball.
“It’s been very impressive seeing a young player be able to play on that level, both in her defense and in her offense,” Eidevall said.
It isn’t easy for a 17-year-old to a team full of veterans and make an impact. Armstrong has fit in well; she refers to left back Perle Morroni and goalie Kailen Sheridan, both pro soccer veterans, as her big sisters.
“They have been so encouraging throughout the whole process of my rookie year,” Armstrong said.
Amazingly, Armstrong isn’t the only teenager who has made an impact this season for the Wave.
Kimmi Ascanio, 17, is tied for the team lead with three goals. San Diego native Melanie Barcenas, another 17-year-old, has one goal and one assist.
All three were in the Wave’s starting lineup on April 26, a 3-0 victory over the Chicago Stars. It remains the most teenagers to ever start together in a NWSL game.
“I think it’s not just that they’re 17 and lucky to be here,” Sheridan said. “They deserve to be here.”
The trio arrived in different ways.
Armstrong ed after one year in college, while Ascanio used the Under-18 Entry Mechanism in 2024 and Barcenas did the same in 2023 at age 15.
The three became close during their time with the 2024 Team USA’s Under-17 World Cup squad. The Americans finished third in the tournament.
“It’s pretty cool to have two other girls that are the same age, and we’re all going through the same things in our stage of life and be able to relate in that way,” Armstrong said.
The Wave expect big things from Armstrong, Ascanio and Barcenas.
“What they do offer is this determination about going somewhere, both with the team and them as individuals,” Eidevall said. “I think that is so important for what we’re trying to build here and how we want to look tomorrow.”
What’s next?
Armstrong has experienced milestone after milestone so far in her young career.
What’s next? Armstrong’s performance could put her on the radar of the United States Women’s National Team, led by coach Emma Hayes.
“One of my goals is to be with the full women’s national team, and for me to be able to do that, I believe that this was the best step for me,” Armstrong said.
That is why she left college after one season, as she believes playing professionally for the Wave will help demonstrate that she deserves a spot on Team USA — possibly in time for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
“It’s just a matter of time,” Armstrong said. “I do believe that I would be able to contribute a lot, and I believe I would be able to learn so much from Emma.”
For now, Armstrong will focus on pushing the Wave back into the playoffs.
“Sometimes I take a step back, and I’m like, ‘Oh, I’m playing with Delphine (Cascarino), who has all these different Champions League (appearances), and (Kenza) Dali,’ ” Armstrong said. “You see all these different people on the field. And it’s like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m playing with so many talented players.’ “
Armstrong is just getting started with the Wave. The club will play at Houston on Friday and then host the Washington Spirit on June 22 before the league takes a month-long international break. Armstrong will celebrate her 18th birthday on July 25.
Eidevall said he saw something in Armstrong during training that made him believe that she would add something to the team.
She has risen to the challenge.
“It’s about getting ready when opportunity arises,” he said, “and she made the most out of it.”
Box: Wave to play exhibition at Torero Stadium
The San Diego Wave will play an exhibition game against the Utah Royals on July 12, a way to stay sharp during the NWSL’s international break.
The 5 p.m. match will be held at Torero Stadium, and is open to season-ticket holders only. San Diego will play a return match in Salt Lake City on July 20.
Additional details regarding the July 12 match will be shared directly with season-ticket holders.
