ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced on Tuesday the club had signed goalkeeper Jahmali Waite ahead of the 2026 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Waite arrives in Tampa Bay having spent the past two seasons with fellow USL Championship club El Paso Locomotive FC, where he recorded 12 clean sheets across his 52 appearances for the Western Conference side. Prior to El Paso, Waite was the starting goalkeeper for Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC for two seasons, helping the club secure the 2023 USL Championship Players’ Shield in his final season and recording 20 shutouts over 55 appearances in all competitions.

“Jahmali has proven himself to be a top goalkeeper at this level for several years now and will add quality, leadership and presence behind our backline,” said Rowdies Head Coach Dominic Casciato. “He’s a very good all-round keeper that will only get better while working with Stuart Dobson, one of the best goalkeeper coaches in the business. I’m looking forward to working with Jahmali and seeing him elevate his game further with us.”

Born in Philadelphia, Waite represents the Jamaican Men’s National Team. He made his national team debut for Jamaica during his first season with Pittsburgh in 2022. Since then, he’s earned regular call-ups to the Reggae Boyz, posting seven clean sheets in 17 appearances.

Waite, who turns 27 years old this month, developed in his hometown with the Philadelphia Union Academy. He spent the 2017 USL Championship season as part of Bethlehem Steel FC (now Philadelphia Union II) before competing collegiately at Fairleigh Dickinson University and the University of Connecticut. While in college, Waite also furthered his development in USL League Two with Reading United AC and Ocean City Nor’easters.

“It’s an honor to become a part of the Tampa Bay Rowdies,” said Waite. “This club has built an incredible legacy in this country and the USL Championship, and I’m eager to get started, work hard, and represent the badge the right way.”