Tatum Wynalda's journey: From Waves to Wave
By McKenzie Jackson · Sat Jul 25 2026
Former Pepperdine soccer standout secures deal for rest of the season with San Diego NWSL squad
San Diego Wave FC midfielder and defender Tatum Wynalda, 21, had an immediate impact when she checked into the team’s May 20 match against the Houston Dash with 15 minutes remaining.
The Wave trailed 2-1, but suddenly Wynalda, a standout at Pepperdine the past four seasons, dribbled the ball down the left sideline and kicked a nifty, long pass to Perle Morroni, who then crossed the ball to Gia Corley. Corley’s shot was blocked, but Trinity Byars gathered the rebound and kicked the tying goal.
Even though she didn’t get the assist or the goal, Wynalda said the play was confidence-building.
“It said I was capable of contributing, providing us goal-scoring opportunities,” she said.
Wynalda, who signed a short-term injury replacement contract with the Wave back in March, got her biggest confidence boost of her rookie year on July 3 when San Diego signed her to a similar deal for the remainder of the NWSL season.
“It feels like there is a big weight off my shoulders and I can finally take a deep breath,” she said. “The objective doesn’t change. The work isn’t done yet. It’s just beginning. Obviously, it’s a really great feeling to know that this club and staff believes in me and think I contribute to this team. It’s a really nice feeling.”
Wave Sporting Director and General Manager Camille Ashton said Wynalda is a great addition to the Wave who has contributed in meaningful ways to the squad’s winning campaign.
“She has stepped up and proven she can compete at a high level in this league,” Ashton said. “We’re excited to continue supporting her development this season.”
Wynalda usually gets updates on team business dealings through her agent. However, she said Ashton and Wave Technical Director Chris Loxston offered her the contract throughout the rest of the season during a meeting at the team’s facility. She beamed from ear to ear.
“I was so happy,” Wynalda recalled. “I was over the moon. Hearing everything they had to say was really kind and empowering for me. It’s always nice to hear things that you think you are doing — but having it recognized by my own club is just so different. I didn’t hide my smile.”
She added that there was no way she would have turned down the contract.
“I made it known to them that I love this team; I love these girls; I love this staff; and I wouldn’t want to spend my rookie season anywhere else,” Wynalda added.
A couple of days after the contract signing, she contributed in a big way in San Diego’s 2-0 win over Gotham FC.
Wynalda dashed 40 yards downfield and applied pressure to Gotham goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger outside the penalty area, intercepting her pass and knocking the ball to teammate Lia Godfrey, who quickly kicked the ball to a sprinting Byars. Byars then scored the Wave’s second goal.
“It was also a really great moment to show our fans, our club, that I want to keep putting my best foot forward and not only keep earning a short-term contract extension but ultimately a multi-year deal in the future,” Wynalda said.
Although Wynalda has steadily gotten more and more playing time this season, she revealed that there were moments when she doubted herself because more than just on-the-field performances can determine a professional athlete’s fate with a team.
“It is such a mental game,” Wynalda explained. “You could be doing the right things, but there are so many other things happening. There is money, roster spots, injuries. There are all these different pieces that make the puzzle. I could have been doing everything right — playing great soccer — but if I didn’t fit into that equation ultimately that is how it was going to have to play out. It was difficult there for a few weeks because I was doing everything, but I hadn’t quite heard what their decision was about a contract extension.”
“I had to keep telling myself every day is a new day and to be the best player, the best teammate I can be and not get caught up in what the future may hold,” she added.
The Wave are 16-9 heading into their match against the Seattle Reign on Sunday. They play the Washington Spirit on Aug. 2 and then Gotham on Aug. 7. After that, San Diego has matches scheduled through November.
Wynalda, who tallied 23 goals and 17 assists in college, aims to accomplish one or all of her “big three” before the season closes.
“For me, getting to the next level would be getting a start, getting a goal, getting an assist,” she said. “Something of the sort would be a really great thing for my morale and a stepping stone.”
Playing professional soccer, Wynalda added, has been her dream since she was a little girl.
“I’ve been able to make an impact when I step on the field,” she said. “The coaching staff saw that I can bring a spark to the game. I’ve been able to provide that coming off the bench for my team. It is nice that they have full trust to put me on the field in big moments.”