About Sophia Smith
Sophia Smith is a rising star in the world of women’s soccer. Born on August 10, 2000, in Windsor, Colorado, Smith fell in love with soccer at a young age and has since become a standout player.
Today, she is known for her impressive speed and ball control, as well as her ability to score goals.
Sophia Smith Facts:
- She made her USWNT debut in the 2023 World Cup and led the attack for her team.
- Smith played her youth soccer in the ECNL and later went on to play at Stanford University for two seasons.
- She currently plays for Portland Thorns FC as a forward.
On July 21, 2023, Smith made her debut with the US Women’s National Team in the 2023 World Cup, and she quickly made a name for herself by scoring two goals in the team’s opening match against Vietnam.
At just 22 years old, Smith is the first person born in the 21st century to earn a “cap” for the US Women’s National Team. Her performance in the tournament has been impressive, and she has been praised for her skill and athleticism on the field.
Despite her young age, Smith is already considered one of the top players in women’s soccer, and many believe that she has a bright future ahead of her!
Sophia Smith’s Parents
Sophia Smith was born in Colorado, to Kenny and Mollie Smith. She has two older sisters named Gabrielle and Savannah.
Sophia’s parents were both collegiate athletes, with her father playing basketball at the University of Wyoming and her mother playing collegiate volleyball.
Sophia’s family has been very supportive of her soccer career, attending her games and cheering her on with tons of passion.
Sophia has credited her parents for instilling a strong work ethic and discipline in her from a young age.
She has also spoken about the importance of having a supportive family, saying, “My family has always been my biggest support system. They have always been there for me, no matter what.”
Kenny and Mollie knew Sophia would be a star from the age of 6. But, doesn’t every parent kind of think that?!
Sophia Smith Career
Sophia Smith began her career at a young age, playing for Real Colorado in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL). In 2018, she was named the ECNL Player of the Year.
In 2019, Smith joined Stanford University’s women’s soccer team. During her freshman year, she scored seven goals and had two assists, helping the team reach the NCAA quarterfinals. She continued to impress during her sophomore year, scoring seventeen goals and earning Pac-12 Forward of the Year honors.
In 2021, Smith was drafted first overall by the Portland Thorns FC in the National Women’s Soccer League draft. She made an immediate impact, scoring three goals in her first five games and earning NWSL Player of the Month honors for May.
Smith’s success at the club level earned her a call-up to the United States women’s national team in 2022. She made her debut in a friendly against Mexico, scoring a goal in the 70th minute to help secure a 4-0 victory.
2023 USWNT World Cup Appearance
Sophia Smith made her debut appearance in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with the USWNT in a match against Vietnam. The USWNT won the match 3-0, with Smith scoring two goals and providing an assist.
Smith’s performance in the match against Vietnam was sensational, as she led the USWNT to victory. She scored her first goal in the 10th minute of the match, and her second goal in the 44th minute. Smith’s assist came in the 24th minute of the match when she set up Lindsey Horan’s goal.
Smith’s performance in the match was a testament to her skills and potential as a professional soccer player. She showed great composure and skill on the ball, as well as a keen eye for goal.
It was also a sign of things to come, as she is expected to play a key role in the USWNT’s World Cup campaign for many years.
Achievements and Awards
Sophia Smith has achieved a lot in her short career as a soccer player. She has been recognized for her hard work and dedication through various awards and accolades.
In 2022, Sophia Smith was voted the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year. This award recognized her outstanding performance on the field, scoring 10 goals and providing 5 assists for the U.S. Women’s National Team.
Sophia Smith’s success on the field has also earned her recognition from various media outlets. In 2023, she was featured in an article in The Washington Post, which highlighted her debut as a ruthless attacker at the World Cup. The article praised her determination to win and her idolization of the stars of the U.S. Women’s National Team.
All of this and she’s just getting started!
Sophia Smith Salary
As of 2023, Sophia Smith’s salary is not publicly available. However, it is known that she signed a multi-year contract with the Portland Thorns FC in 2020, which is reportedly worth over $300,000 per year. This makes her one of the highest-paid players in the NWSL.
In addition to her NWSL salary, Sophia Smith is also a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT). While the salaries of USWNT players are not publicly disclosed, it is known that they receive a base salary from U.S. Soccer, as well as bonuses for international games and tournaments.
Sophia Smith’s impressive performance on the field has also attracted the attention of various sponsors. She has endorsement deals with Nike and Gatorade, among others, which likely add to her overall income.
Philanthropy
Sophia Smith’s legacy extends beyond her achievements on the soccer field. She is also a philanthropist who has made significant contributions to various causes.
One of her most notable philanthropic endeavors is her support for mental health awareness. Sophia has spoken publicly about her own struggles with anxiety and depression and has used her platform to encourage others to seek help and support.
She has also donated to mental health organizations, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Sophia is also committed to promoting education and equal opportunities for women.
She has supported organizations like Girls Inc. and the Malala Fund, which work to empower girls and women through education and advocacy.
In addition, Sophia has donated to Smith College, the institution founded by her namesake, Sophia Smith, which is dedicated to providing women with a high-quality education.
Sophia’s philanthropic efforts extend beyond these causes as well. She has donated to organizations that focus on environmental conservation, animal welfare, and more.
Through her generosity and commitment to making a positive impact, Sophia has become a role model for many young people who aspire to make a difference in the world.
A New Star for Young Girls To Look Up To
There is no doubt that Sophia Smith is here to stay. Legends like Alex Morgan have paved the way for talented female stars such as Smith.
Her dynamic play on the field combined with her off the field personality make her a budding star that we’ll watch for many years.
With all the talented fresh faces, I think women’s soccer is as strong as it has ever been. Over the next eight years, we’ll see a stronger national team and more players impacting the NWSL.
Frequently Asked Questions
What professional soccer team does Sophia Smith play for?
Sophia Smith is a professional soccer player who currently plays for the Portland Thorns FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
How long has Sophia Smith been playing soccer professionally?
Sophia Smith has been playing soccer professionally since 2020 when she was drafted as the first overall pick in the NWSL College Draft.
What position does Sophia Smith play on the soccer field?
Sophia Smith is a forward who primarily plays as a striker. She is known for her speed, technical skills, and ability to score goals.
How tall is Sophia Smith?
Sophia Smith is 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) tall.
Who is Sophia Smith’s father?
Sophia Smith’s father is Kenny Smith. He played collegiate basketball at the University of Wyoming. This is not the same Kenny Smith who was on the Houston Rockets and is now an analyst for the NBA.
Written By: Beau Bridges
Founder of SoccerNovo
I’m Beau 👋 a proud dad of an MLS NEXT player, former soccer coach, soccer enthusiast, and board member of our local youth sports program. I created soccernovo.com to share my knowledge of the game and help parents learn more about youth soccer in the U.S. I also authored an eBook ‘Soccer Coach Made Simple‘. Learn more about Beau.
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