You know Forbes 30 Under 30. The entrepreneurs. The innovators. The ones "changing the world."
Well, we've got something even better.
Meet the Thread 15 Under 15. The kids who didn't wait to grow up before chasing their dreams. These aren't just talented athletes. They're proof that when you show up, put in the work, and believe in yourself, age is just a number.
Some are competing at the highest levels. Some are breaking records that have stood for years. And all of them are showing what's possible when you commit to something you love.
This is what happens when passion meets preparation. When dedication beats doubt. When you decide that your goals matter more than what anyone thinks you can or can't do.
Let's celebrate them.
1. Mckenna "Mak" Whitham (15) — Soccer
At 14, Mak became the youngest player in NWSL history to appear in a regular season game. She's logged multiple appearances for Gotham FC, proving that if you're good enough, you're old enough. Dream big, train hard, and opportunities show up.
2. Nolan Levinson (12) — Baseball
This 6-foot 12-year-old put up a legendary Little League season. Nolan Hit .548. Crushed 4 home runs. Struck out 60 batters in 29 innings. Led Alpine Little League to an undefeated season. When you love the game and trust the process, the results take care of themselves.
3. Melanie Doggett (14) — Track & Field
Melanie ran a 22.94 in the 200m, the second-fastest time ever for a 14-year-old. She broke meet records two days in a row, won USATF Junior Olympics gold, and earned an NIL deal with Nike.
4. Ayden Tan (12) — Swimming
Ayden made 2025 his year. Six National Age Group records in one season. Seven wins at Far Westerns. Every race was a chance to get better, and he took every single one, dominating the 11–12 boys division.
5. Maggie Kennedy (15) — Powerlifting
Maggie benched 167 pounds to break a national record and win a national championship, just months after losing her coach. She showed up for herself and honored someone who believed in her.
6. Oscar Avilez (15) — Soccer
Oscar signed a professional contract with D.C. United at 15, becoming one of the youngest pros in MLS club history and receiving a U.S. U-16 national team call-up.
7. Brysen Wright (14) — Football (Flag)
Brysen made a one-handed touchdown catch in triple coverage at the NFL Flag Championships that went viral across the sports world. The result? 16 scholarship offers.
8. Raymond ReBell (14) — Golf
Raymond shot a 69 at U.S. Open qualifying and advanced to the final stage at just 14 years old. He proved that great preparation creates great opportunities. Every round matters.
9. Stella Spitzer (15) — Soccer
Stella became the youngest player to sign a pro contract in the USL Super League with Carolina Ascent FC, competing against adults as a high-level forward.
10. Landon DuPont (15) — Hockey
Landon earned exceptional status to play in the WHL at 15, a designation not granted since Connor Bedard, marking him as one of hockey’s top future prospects.
11. Sam Evermore (11) — Mountaineering
Sam became the youngest American to summit the 14,692-foot Matterhorn. He also previously climbed El Capitan at age 8.
12. Cecelia "CeCe" Hernandez (10) — Boxing
CeCe won the National Silver Gloves Championship after just nine months of training. CeCe's known for her speed and her nickname: “One-Two Queen”.
13. Lavi Crain (14) — Gymnastics
Lavi won Junior World Championship gold on vault, the first American girl to do it since 2019. She also claimed the U.S. junior all-around title.
14. Isabella Pockoski (15) — Track & Field (Shot Put)
Isabella won the Vermont D-II state title as a freshman with a 36′ 11¼″ throw...in pouring rain AND broke a 26-year-old school record earlier that season.
15. Loredana Paletta (14) — Soccer
Loredana plays for the U.S. U-16 national team while competing on the NYCFC boys academy squad. She also signed an NIL deal with Lotto at 14 and continues breaking barriers.
You're Next
These athletes aren't superhuman. They're dedicated. They're disciplined. They showed up when it was hard, stayed focused when it was boring, and kept going when it hurt.
And here's the truth: you can get there too.
It starts with showing up for yourself, day after day. Trusting the process. Putting in the work. But here's what a lot of young athletes miss: nutrition is the thread between your hard work and your performance. It's what turns practice into progress. Effort into results. Potential into reality.
At Thread Performance, we're built for this. We meet young athletes exactly where they are and help fuel the journey to where you want to go. Whether you're chasing a pro contract, fighting for varsity, or just trying to PR, we've got the nutrition and hydration designed specifically for young athletes like you.
We're fueling the champions of the future. And that starts right now.
Ready to take the next step?
Train hard. Fuel smart. Shop Thread Performance.
