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San Diego Wave FC has secured one of its promising young defenders for the long term, signing Mimi Van Zanten to a contract extension through the 2029 season.
The club announced the new deal Wednesday following an impressive rookie campaign for the 21-year-old, who has quickly established herself as a regular contributor in San Diego.
“Mimi has had a remarkable first professional season, making an immediate and significant impact on this team,” said Camille Ashton, San Diego Wave FC general manager and sporting director. “Her ability to contribute on both sides of the ball, combined with the consistency and maturity she brings to her game, has made her an important part of our team. We’re excited to continue supporting her development and look forward to being part of her journey for years to come.”
An Immediate Impact in San Diego
Van Zanten joined the Wave on Dec. 29, 2025, after completing a successful collegiate career at Florida State. Her original contract ran through the 2027 season and included club options for 2028 and 2029.
It didn't take long for her to earn a role in San Diego.
Van Zanten made her professional debut in the Wave's 2026 season opener against the Houston Dash on March 15. Less than two months later, she recorded another career milestone, scoring her first professional goal in San Diego's 2-1 win over Angel City FC on May 10.
Through her first professional season, Van Zanten has appeared 27 times and logged 2,130 minutes for the Wave. She has contributed one goal and one assist while also providing plenty of defensive work, recording 57 tackles and 43 interceptions and competing in 33 headed duels.
Those numbers underline the two-way ability Ashton highlighted in announcing the extension. Van Zanten has gone from a rookie entering her first professional season to a player the Wave now see as part of their plans through 2029.
International Experience With Jamaica
Van Zanten's development has also extended to the international level.
The Buffalo Grove, Illinois native represents Jamaica and has earned six senior appearances since making her debut against Brazil on June 4, 2024. She previously played for Jamaica at the 2023 Concacaf Women's U-20 Championship.
Before representing Jamaica, Van Zanten spent time in the U.S. youth national team system from the U-14 through U-17 levels. She was also part of the U.S. U-15 squad that captured the 2018 Concacaf Girls' U-15 Championship.
Championship Pedigree at Florida State
Before turning professional, Van Zanten spent three seasons at Florida State, where she was part of two NCAA championship teams and two ACC Tournament championship sides.
She finished her college career with 57 appearances and 48 starts, contributing five goals and 11 assists.
Van Zanten helped Florida State capture another national championship during her final season in 2025, including scoring against Georgetown and adding an assist during the Seminoles' NCAA Tournament run.
Now, after establishing herself during her first season in San Diego, Van Zanten's future with the Wave is secured for three more years.
The extension keeps one of the club's emerging young players in San Diego through 2029 as the Wave continue building around a core that can develop together for the long term.
