Changes at Wellington Phoenix women's squad
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Wellington Phoenix have farewelled five members of the women’s record-breaking 2025-26 squad.
Lucía León, Emma Pijnenburg, Tessel Middag, Ella McMillan and Ela Jerez are off contract and won’t be re-signing with the Phoenix.
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Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman has acknowledged the quintet for their contribution to the club.
“I would like to thank the players for everything,” Priestman said. “Thanks for the moments everyone doesn’t always see, in the gym, holding standards in training and for bringing experience to the team in uncharted waters.
“We couldn’t have done the past season without any of these players and unbelievable humans, and we wish them all the very best in their next chapters.”
León leaves the Phoenix after making 20 appearances during their historic 2025-26 season and registering three assists.
The Dominican Republic international started 15 matches, including last month’s grand final defeat to Melbourne City.
“I want to thank everyone at the club for believing in the women’s programme and for treating us like real professionals,” León said.
“As women we don’t always get to be in such a professional environment as Wellington Phoenix provided for us so thank you.
“To my teammates; I have made friends for life in this club, and I am so grateful and thankful for them.
“To the staff; thank you for trusting me and giving me the opportunity to represent this badge. It’s been a real pleasure to work with top class coaches and people.
“And to the fans you guys have genuinely been unbelievable. We wouldn’t have made it this far without you all. The broken records, the atmosphere, everything. I hope we made you proud.
“I wish the club all the very best for the future. I am sure this is just the start of an amazing and successful journey, and I can’t wait to follow from home. Thank you everyone 💛.”
Football Fern Pijnenburg also started the grand final having quickly established herself as a regular in the Phoenix midfield since joining the club in December as an injury replacement.
Pijnenburg made 14 appearances for the club, 11 of which were starts, and scored two goals.
She has signed with Dutch Eredivisie club Hera United for the upcoming season.
“My time at the Phoenix was short but sweet, and I really enjoyed it,” Pijnenburg said.
“I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity and proud of how much we achieved together.
“A special thank you to the fans that showed up time and time again. Your support pulled us through.
“I’ll be following the team closely next season and hope to see them take it all the way.”
Former Netherlands international Middag leaves Wellington after playing just 45 minutes for the club.
Middag ruptured the ACL graft in her left knee in the opening minutes of the Nix’s season opener against Canberra United and was replaced at halftime.
She remained a key member of the squad off the pitch for the remainder of the season and assisted team analyst Tyron Curtis.
“I had a lot more to give to the club, city and country but football can be unforgiving sometimes,” Middag said.
“It has been tough to watch from the sidelines, but it was impressive to see how players and staff got together, dealt with adversity and managed to get the best A-League result in the club’s history.
“I wish the Phoenix all the best for the future.”
McMillan made four substitute appearances for the first team across the 2023-24 and 2024-25 campaigns.
She has joined Waterside Karori for the women’s Central League season but will continue to work as a physical performance scientist at the Nix academy.
“Thanks to the Phoenix for the last three years,” McMillan said. “Wishing all the players and staff the best for next season.”
Fellow scholarship player Jerez also started her professional career with the Phoenix.
She was limited to three substitute appearances for the Nix during the 2024-25 season and has joined Wellington United in the women’s Central League.
“A big thank you to the Nix for having me these past couple of years.” Jerez said. “This team holds a special place in my heart.
“Wishing the club all the best for the upcoming season.”
