Since joining the league in 2020, Sophia Smith has taken the NWSL by storm – earning individual and team awards. With her positive outlook and go with the flow attitude, Smith has led the Thorns to a 2022 NWSL Championship and remains a critical presence both on and off the field this season. Smith’s optimism is key to securing the Thorns a spot in the playoffs.
Game Recap
Although Friday night’s matchup didn’t go in the Thorns favor, Head Coach Rob Gale remained optimistic about the team’s future in the playoffs. In a post-game press conference, Gale emphasized “the togetherness is really there.” An early miscommunication between the defense led to an early goal for Chicago in the 15th minute. But the Thorns didn’t let this affect their momentum. They controlled possession throughout the majority of the game, creating scoring opportunities but were unable to find the back of the net. Gale reflected on this, saying it was just “one mistake [but] sometimes football is like that.”
Career Achievements
As the number one pick in the 2020 draft, Smith faced high expectations – and has more than lived up to them. In 2022, Smith was named the league’s most valuable player, the most valuable player of the NWSL championship, and the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year. In 2023, she made history as the first Portland Thorn to receive the prestigious Golden Boot award. And she’s the youngest player in league history to achieve 30 career goals. This season, she is third in the league for goals scored and tied for second in assists.
Alongside her NWSL achievements, Smith also brought home a gold medal from the Paris Olympics this summer. She and teammate Sam Coffey represented the Portland Thorns at the games. Despite all her success and accolades, Smith remains grounded, taking each day as it comes – noting that she is “trusting the process.” She continually reminds herself to find joy in the game and to trust the journey of life.
“Always find joy in the sport…it’s important to find joy in it all the time because that’s why I started playing the game in the first place.”
Smith’s Perspective
Smith shares a similar mindset to Gale, commenting that “we’re just continuing to take it game by game.” Even amid her rising career – having earned an Olympic gold medal and the Golden Boot – Smith recognizes the value of embracing the journey. “I’m not looking too far forward, I’m not looking too far behind me, I’m just in a process that we call life, and I’m enjoying each day as it comes,” she said. Smith is wise for her 24 years of age. Her ability to stay grounded and present, rather than getting lost worrying about the future, is key to her successful career.
Smith was all smiles on the field on Friday night, skipping onto the pitch and holding her head high despite a tough loss. Her infectious energy and love for the game make her a true role model for young girls. She reminds fans to ”always find joy in the sport…it’s important to find joy in it all the time because that’s why I started playing the game in the first place.”
In a league as competitive as the NWSL, maintaining balance, composure, and optimism is no small feat. But Smith upholds all three of these qualities. Her relentless drive combined with her desire to constantly find joy in sport sets her apart as an athlete. As the Thorns gear up for the playoffs, Smith’s positive outlook and focus on the process will play a crucial role in the team’s success. Whether she’s lifting high trophies or holding her head high after a loss, Smith’s love for the game remains at the heart of her journey.
