From youth club expenses to world-class midfielder: the rise of Sam Mewis
In short: Before she was ranked the best player in the world by ESPN, Sam Mewis was a young athlete whose soccer expenses were covered by her father's side jobs. Her journey from Hanson, Massachusetts, to the pinnacle of international soccer is a testament to endurance and elite talent.
Sam Mewis's ascent in professional soccer is marked by significant milestones across both club and international play. After a stellar collegiate career where she helped the UCLA Bruins secure the 2013 national championship, she entered the NWSL in 2015 as the fourth overall pick for the Western New York Flash. She maintained her professional momentum at the North Carolina Courage, claiming three straight NWSL Shields plus NWSL Championships in 2018 and 2019.
On the international stage, Mewis became a vital component of the United States women's national team. She was part of the squad that won the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup and later contributed to the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup victory. Personal honours include being selected as the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year during 2020, alongside ESPN naming her the world's top player after her 2021 Manchester City campaign.
However, her career has been heavily impacted by physical challenges. Mewis has faced significant setbacks due to long-term knee injuries, requiring surgeries in 2021 and 2023, the latter involving cartilage donor grafts. These injuries eventually led to her retirement from professional soccer in early 2024. Despite this, her influence persists through media roles, including serving as the editor-in-chief and host of The Women's Game podcast.
Mewis's heritage is linked to her kin; she and Kristie became the inaugural pair of sisters to play for the United States at a Women's World Cup. While her playing days have concluded, she has transitioned into advisory and coaching roles, such as her involvement with Vermont Green FC.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Sam Mewis
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