Sophia Olivia Smith : Rising Star of Women’s Soccer

Sophia Olivia Smith : Rising Star of Women’s Soccer

In the world of women’s soccer, one name that has been making waves is Sophia Olivia Smith.

Born on August 10, 2000, this talented American soccer player has captured the hearts of fans with her remarkable skills on the field.

She currently plays for Portland Thorns FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and represents the United States national team in international competitions.

Early Life and Background

Sophia Olivia Smith’s passion for soccer runs in the family. She was born to Mollie and Kenny Smith and has two older sisters, Gabrielle and Savannah.

Her father, Kenny Smith, was a basketball player at the University of Wyoming, while her sister Savannah followed in his footsteps and played basketball at the University of Northern Colorado.

However, Sophia chose to break the family legacy of basketball and pursued her love for soccer.

Growing up in Fort Collins, Colorado, Sophia attended Fossil Ridge High School.

Even during her high school years, her exceptional talent on the soccer field was evident.

She was named First-Team All-Conference in her freshman year, showcasing her prowess as a young athlete.

College Soccer and National Success

Sophia Olivia Smith’s soccer journey continued at Stanford University, where she played for the college soccer team.

In 2018, she joined Stanford and made an immediate impact, scoring 7 goals in her debut season.

The following year, she took her game to the next level, netting an impressive 17 goals and guiding Stanford University to victory in the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship in 2019.

Her performances on the field caught the attention of the national team selectors, and in March 2017, she received her first call-up to the senior national team for two international friendlies against Russia.

Sophia also represented the U.S. Youth Women’s National Team, scoring nine goals in six consecutive games, setting a record for the most goals in six consecutive matches.

Club Career and MVP Recognition

In January 2020, Sophia Olivia Smith entered the NWSL draft, and her talent did not go unnoticed.

She was selected as the top overall pick by the Portland Thorns FC, marking a significant milestone in her professional career. Since joining the Thorns, she has been a force to be reckoned with on the field.

Her outstanding performances in the 2022 NWSL season earned her the prestigious title of NWSL Most Valuable Player.

She played a crucial role in leading the Thorns to victory in the NWSL Championship, scoring the first goal and being named Championship MVP.

International Career and FIFA Women’s World Cup

Sophia’s journey with the national team has been equally remarkable. She was part of the U-17 team at the 2016 FIFA U-17 World Cup and continued to impress at various youth levels.

In November 2020, she earned her first cap for the senior national team, becoming the first player born in the 2000s to represent the United States at this level.

Her hard work and dedication led to her inclusion in the United States squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

In the opening match against Vietnam, Sophia was instrumental, scoring a brace and assisting in the third goal, earning her the Player of the Match accolade.

Honors and Awards

Throughout her career, Sophia Olivia Smith has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the sport.

Here are some of the honors and awards she has received:

• Sud Ladies Cup with the United States in 2018
• Sud Ladies Cup Best Player in 2018
• Sud Ladies Cup Top Scorer in 2018
• NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship with Stanford University in 2019
• NWSL Community Shield with Portland Thorns FC in 2020
• CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship with the United States U20 in 2020
• NWSL Challenge Cup with Portland Thorns FC in 2021
• NWSL Shield with Portland Thorns FC in 2021
• Women’s International Champions Cup with Portland Thorns FC in 2021
• NWSL Championship with Portland Thorns FC in 2022
• SheBelieves Cup with the United States in 2021 and 2022
• CONCACAF Women’s Championship with the United States in 2022
• NWSL Most Valuable Player in 2022
• NWSL Championship Game MVP in 2022
• NWSL Best XI in 2022
• NWSL Player of the Month in June 2022, March/April 2023, and June 2023
• US Soccer Female Player of the Year in 2022