Syosset's Loradana Paletta is 14 and has an NIL deal, USWNT experience and big soccer goals

Terms such as “pioneer” and “trailblazer” often are mentioned too loosely in sports, but with an athlete like Loradana Paletta, it’s difficult to argue those descriptors.

Paletta, a 14-year-old soccer player from Syosset, became the first girl to play on the boys NYCFC MLS Next team. MLS Next is an elite youth league operated by Major League Soccer, with teams beginning at age 13.

This summer, Paletta, a midfielder, played on the United States U-17 Women’s National Team in the 4 Nations Tournament in Mexico City, competing against Canada, Mexico and Costa Rica. Paletta started the majority of games, despite being three years younger than some of her teammates. USA won the tournament.

Before leaving for Mexico City, Paletta became one of the youngest athletes in American sports history to sign a Name, Image and Likeness deal. The young soccer star signed the NIL deal with Lotto, an Italian sports brand, in July, becoming Lotto’s first U.S. Amateur NIL partner.

All this before her first day of attending Syosset High School, which is Sept. 2.

“I’ve always dreamed of being in the spot I’m in right now. I never really thought it was going to happen,” Paletta said. “But through all my hard work and pushing and training and early mornings, I feel like I deserve this. I’m humble about it, and I’m just going to keep going.”

Paletta has decided not to play soccer for Syosset High School this year.

Her lofty goals  include playing  professionally for a major club in Europe and winning Olympic gold medals and World Cups for Team USA.

“It’s definitely going to take a lot of work,” Paletta said. “I’m definitely going to need to keep pushing. I’m going to have to improve on the little things, but when I perfect them, I know I’m going to be a better player and I’m going to strive to win the World Cup.”

Chris Wingert, who was born in Babylon and attended St. John the Baptist High School before playing 14 seasons in the MLS, became a FIFA-licensed soccer agent after his playing career. Through family, he heard of Paletta and offered guidance. Wingert, who represents professional athletes, later took on Paletta and represented her in the deal with Lotto.

“I saw her play with NYCFC boys and I thought she was a boy with long hair,” Wingert recalls of seeing Paletta play a few years ago. “I didn’t realize she was a female. She was unbelievable.”

As a former top men’s soccer player, Wingert was shocked to hear Paletta was able to excel against the boys as a teenager. But after seeing her play, he understood how she does it. Wingert was impressed with her quickness, technique and tactical skill, but another aspect garnered his attention the most.

“I don’t mean to sound dramatic, but I don’t think I’ve been around a teenager who has this mindset,” Wingert said. “It’s completely unique to anything I’ve ever seen before . . . I truly think in 10 years from now if we’re talking about her as one of the best players in the world, it’s going to be her mentality.”

Paletta has played and trained with the U-15 and U-16 Women’s National Teams throughout her young career. She’ll be with the U-17 Women’s National Team again as it plays friendlies in Spain from Aug. 22 through Sept. 1 as the final training camp and matches before the U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco this fall. Paletta hopes to make the U-17 Women’s World Cup roster.

Paletta said she was surprised by the initial U-17 team call-up, but she also felt confident she could play with the older girls.

“It felt intimidating, but at the same time, I know being called up three years that they are going to be bigger and stronger,” Paletta said. “But I know I have my ways to get around. And me just being myself when I get there, I knew I’d do well.”

A lot of those lessons come from playing with the boys. Paletta, who has two older brothers, has played on boys team ever since she began playing soccer at age 4. The only time she shares the field with girls is with national teams, and she hopes to play with the boys as long as she physically can.

“It’s their time with growth spurts, so they are definitely going to be bigger and taller than me and more physical,” Paletta said. “But that’s my time to shine where I have to show that I belong there and keep my place.”

Wingert said Paletta had offers from multiple companies to sign an NIL deal this summer, but they felt Lotto would give her a chance to be a featured athlete. Wingert didn’t disclose any financial arrangements between Paletta and Lotto, but Paletta is eligible to receive financial payment without losing collegiate or high school eligibility.

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) permits NIL deals while allowing student-athletes to retain amateur status and eligibility, as long as the endorsement deal isn't affiliated or showcased with their school, section or NYSPHSAA. Paletta's NIL deal does not conflict with the NYSPHSAA Amateur Rule since she did not receive her NIL through Syosset High School or any county or state means.

Paletta said she’s “really proud” of earning an NIL deal at a young age, and feels a strong partnership at Lotto.

“I love rocking their gear, they really make me feel comfortable,” Paletta said. “I love the gear they send me, the matching sets, the cleats, it just makes me feel like such a professional, even though I’m just 14.”

Sometimes, even she can’t believe all she’s already achieved at 14 years old.

“It’s really mind-blowing,” Paletta said, “but I’ve worked hard to be in this position.”

And Wingert wouldn’t doubt any of Paletta’s goals, or her potential impact on U.S. women’s soccer.

“I don’t think there’s anything outside the realm of what’s realistic for her,” Wingert said. “Her ability and where she’s at right now is truly different from anything I’ve seen. And I think U.S. Soccer, the way they’ve handled things, I think would tell you she’s absolutely an outlier and they see the potential for some groundbreaking stuff to happen.”