St. Louis Scott Gallagher star Alex Pfeiffer is headed to the NWSL.
On Monday, the Kansas City Current announced the signing of Pfeiffer to a three-year contract beginning in January of 2024. Pfeiffer is the first player the club has signed using the NWSL's U18 Entry Mechanism, which allows clubs to sign a maximum of two players under the age of 18.
Last season, Pfeiffer was named the ECNL U17 Player of the Year and was an integral part in helping SLSG capture their second straight ECNL National Championship, scoring a hat trick in the U17 National Championship Game.
Pfeiffer also has experience at the international level. In April, she helped lead the U.S. U16 Women's Youth National Team to a championship at the Mondial Montaigu Football Tournament in France, scoring the game-winning goal in the championship game. She also was part of the U15 team that won the 2022 CONCACAF Girls Championship.
Pfeiffer, who turns 16 in November, is the fourth-youngest player to ever sign an NWSL contract. She is also the third ECNL player to sign a contract through the NWSL U18 mechanism, following San Diego Wave FC's signing of Melanie Barcenas from San Diego Surf and the North Carolina Courage's signing of Riley Jackson from Concorde Fire Platinum.
Pfeiffer said her decision to go pro is one she has been considering for a long time, and that her opportunity to train with the Current's first team over the summer was a major factor in her decision.
"I've been thinking about this decision for a long time and what the best step is for me and my development. I saw what KC was doing and the opportunity they had given me," Pfeiffer said. "This summer was the first time I was able to train with the first team and once I went there I saw what the coaching staff and front office was doing and how focused they were on my development."
From national events to their huge National Championship wins, Pfeiffer believes her time with St. Louis Scott Gallagher in the ECNL has really prepared her to make the jump into the pro ranks.
"I think the ECNL is by far and away the best youth soccer platform in the world from all the showcases, national events, playoffs, and just getting to play in front of all those people and scouts," Pfeiffer said. "I think Gallagher has also given me so many opportunities to become the best player I can be because they focus so much on development and how you can get better each and every day."
SLSG ECNL Girls Program Director Scott McDoniel said everyone at the club is behind Pfeiffer and excited for her move to the Current, but they are not at all surprised, given how talented and driven of a player she has proven to be.
"Everyone here at the club is amazed, excited, and at the same time not surprised in the least," McDoniel said. "Alex is a talented young player that has a hunger to compete, improve, and score goals at the highest level possible. The game is changing for the women's side, once again, reflected in these types of opportunities being presented for young players, and we are grateful Alex has been chosen to be a part of such an incredible organization in the Current. We are proud of Alex, behind her 100 percent, and at the same time she knows she can always call St. Louis her home."
In a statement released by the club, Pfeiffer expressed her excitement to join the Current and help the team compete for championships moving forward.
"I am unbelievably excited and blessed to say I'm playing for the KC Current!" said Pfeiffer. "Everything about this club is class, from the players to the facilities, to the coaching staff and ownership group, I can't imagine a better place to start my professional career. I'm eternally grateful to the Longs, Cami and Vlatko for this opportunity and I can't wait to get on the pitch with this team and help win some championships!"
