Kherrington Ream Bio
Kherrington Azreal “KK” Ream (born July 8, 2009) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a forward for the Utah Royals of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She signed with the Royals at age 15 in 2024, becoming the youngest goalscorer in NWSL history the following year. Standing 5 feet 4 inches tall, Ream has drawn national attention for her rapid rise through the American youth system.
Early Life and Background
Ream was born in Herriman, Utah, and grew up in the same community where she would later begin her professional career. From a young age, she showed an early passion for soccer and trained alongside family members who shared her love for the sport. She often played with her twin brother, Linkon, while developing her skills in local youth environments.
Her organized soccer journey began in 2019 when she joined the Utah Royals FC AZ academy, where she played up several age groups. While based in Arizona, she also played for the boys’ team RSL Arizona in MLS Next, gaining valuable experience against male competition. In 2022, she returned to her home state of Utah and joined the Utah Avalanche, continuing to play with boys her age as well as girls three or four years older.
Path to Soccer
Ream’s progression through multiple youth setups sharpened her competitive edge and prepared her for the demands of professional soccer. Playing across boys’ and girls’ teams helped her develop physicality, tactical awareness, and composure on the ball. By her early teenage years, she had established herself as one of the most promising young forwards in the region.
Her academy performances caught the attention of the Utah Royals first team, and she was invited to train with the senior squad during the 2024 preseason. The opportunity signaled a clear transition from promising youth talent to professional prospect.
Kherrington Ream Career
Early Career (2019-2024)
Ream spent her early club years in the Utah Royals FC AZ academy from 2019 to 2022, while also representing RSL Arizona in MLS Next during the same period. After returning to Utah in 2022, she played for the Utah Avalanche through 2024, continuing to face older competition.
On December 11, 2024, the Utah Royals announced that they had signed Ream to a three-year under-18 contract, making her the youngest player in team history at 15 years and 157 days old. A preseason friendly against BYU saw her score three goals, and teammate Kate Del Fava famously summed up the moment with the phrase: “Three syllables … KK Ream.”
NWSL Breakthrough (2025-Present)
Ream made her professional debut as a late substitute against the San Diego Wave on March 23, 2025. She became the youngest starter in NWSL history on May 3, 2025, in a 2-0 loss to the North Carolina Courage. These milestones reflected the trust the Royals placed in her abilities despite her young age.
Her defining moment came on August 29, 2025, when she scored her first professional goal, the decisive tally in a 2-1 win over the Portland Thorns. At 16 years and 52 days old, she became the youngest-ever NWSL goalscorer, surpassing the record set by Alex Pfeiffer the year prior.
On March 26, 2026, the Royals announced that Ream had been placed on the season-ending injury list after sustaining an ACL tear during training. The injury temporarily halted what had been a breakthrough rookie campaign for the young forward.
Notable Events and Milestones
Ream’s signature achievement remains her record-setting goal against the Portland Thorns in August 2025. She also earned recognition as the youngest starter and youngest goalscorer in NWSL history within the span of a few months, cementing her place as a notable figure in American women’s soccer.
Kherrington Ream International Career
Ream has represented the United States at multiple youth levels, beginning with the U-15 team in 2024. She helped the United States win the 2024 CONCACAF Girls’ U-15 Championship, converting a penalty kick in the semifinal shootout against Canada. The following year, she was named to the roster for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and advanced to the U-17 squad for ongoing international duty.
Kherrington Ream Career Wins
In her short professional career, Ream has already established herself as a record-breaking talent rather than a win-statistics leader. Her most celebrated club result remains the 2-1 victory over the Portland Thorns in which she scored the decisive goal. Internationally, she contributed to the United States’ 2024 CONCACAF Girls’ U-15 Championship title.
NWSL Highlights
Ream’s first NWSL goal came against the Portland Thorns on August 29, 2025, and it remains her most notable league moment. She also recorded three goals in a preseason friendly against BYU, signaling her scoring ability before her official debut.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond her NWSL appearances, Ream helped the United States win the 2024 CONCACAF Girls’ U-15 Championship and was later called up for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup roster.
Kherrington Ream Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Ream grew up playing soccer alongside her twin brother, Linkon, who shared her early passion for the sport. The two frequently trained and competed together during her childhood in Herriman, Utah.
Personal Life
Born and raised in Herriman, Utah, Ream continues to be closely tied to her home community and the Utah Royals organization. Her family has supported her rapid progression from youth academy standout to professional record-holder.
2025 Season Performance
Ream’s 2025 season marked her official entry into professional soccer with the Utah Royals. She debuted as a late substitute against the San Diego Wave on March 23 and quickly earned a starting role, becoming the youngest starter in NWSL history on May 3 against the North Carolina Courage. Her growing presence in the lineup reflected the Royals’ confidence in her development.
The high point of her rookie campaign came on August 29, when she scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over the Portland Thorns, setting the NWSL record for youngest goalscorer at 16 years and 52 days old. The achievement placed her among the most talked-about young players in the league.
Her season was cut short when, on March 26, 2026, the club announced she had been placed on the season-ending injury list following an ACL tear sustained in training. Despite the setback, Ream’s 2025 performances established a strong foundation for her eventual return to the pitch.