Melanie Barcenas

Melanie has Mexican American heritage.

She was the youngest player in the NWSL when she was signed at the age of 15 in 2023.

At age 10, she accompanied United States players out onto the pitch before a match against Brazil at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego; after the match, she asked for and received a jersey from her favorite player and future Wave teammate Alex Morgan whom she admires a lot and has a strog bond with.

Her debut for San Diego Wave (April 29, 2023) somewhat delayed by an illness, nonetheless made her the youngest NWSL player to appear in a regular-season match (15 years and 177 days).

She won bronze with the United States at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

Barcenas is balancing her burgeoning professional soccer career with her high school education.

At 9 years old, she admired Brazilian soccer superstar Neymar, stating, "He plays just like me.", indicating his influence on her playing style and aspirations.

Mel's favourite season is summer.

In January 2023, Barcenas became the first high school player to sign a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal with Nike.

Mel is an official nutrition partner of Deeply Nourished, american brand that helps and provides people with balanced and healthy diets full of nutritions.

Her go to song that's on repeat all the time is Mirror by Lill Wayne and Bruno Mars.

Her brother is her favourite football partner.

Her favourite post match meal is pizza, she often goes with her family to get tacos.