Samantha Mewis Retires from Professional Soccer
Samantha Mewis, one of the most decorated players in U.S. Soccer history, has announced her retirement from professional soccer.
The 31-year-old midfielder played for the U.S. team that won the 2019 Women’s World Cup, and was a key fixture on the team.
Samantha Mewis At-a-Glance:
- Born in: Weymouth, MA
- Height: 6’0″
- College: UCLA
- Last Club: Kansas City Current (2022/2023)
- USWNT Career: 83 games / 24 goals
Unfortunately, Mewis underwent two knee surgeries after the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, and her final match for the United States was a 4-3 victory over Australia in the bronze medal match.
“With both sadness and clarity, I am retiring from professional soccer. Unfortunately, my knee can no longer tolerate the impact that elite soccer requires. Though this isn’t what I wanted, it’s clear that this is the only path forward for me,”
– Samantha Mewis via Instagram
Mewis’ retirement comes as a surprise to many fans, as she was still considered to be one of the best players in the game.
However, her decision to retire was influenced by a long-standing knee injury that has sidelined her from the national team since the Olympics.
Despite the setback, Mewis remains optimistic about her future and is excited to pursue other opportunities in the world of sports.
Samantha Mewis’s Career Highlights
Samantha Mewis is an accomplished American soccer player who has had an impressive career.
She has played for both club and our country and has won numerous trophies along the way. Here are some of her career highlights:
Club Career
Mewis began her club career at UCLA Bruins, where she played for four years. During her time there, she was named to the All-Pac-12 First Team three times and was also named to the NSCAA All-American First Team twice.
After college, Mewis was drafted by the Western New York Flash in the 2015 NWSL College Draft. She played for the Flash for two seasons, during which she helped the team win the NWSL Championship in 2016.
In 2017, Mewis was traded to the North Carolina Courage, where she played for four seasons. During her time with the Courage, she won three NWSL Shields and two NWSL Championships.
International Career
Mewis made her debut for the US Women’s National Team (USWNT) in 2014. Since then, she has been a key player for the team, playing in multiple major tournaments.
In 2019, Mewis was an impact player in the USWNT’s World Cup-winning campaign. She scored two goals in the tournament, including one in the semifinal against England.
Individual Accolades
Mewis has won numerous individual accolades throughout her career. In college, she was named the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year in 2012 and the Pac-12 Player of the Year in 2014.
In the NWSL, Mewis was named to the Best XI in 2017 and 2018. She was also named the NWSL Championship MVP in 2016.
Mewis has also been recognized for her performances with the USWNT. In 2020, she was named the US Soccer Female Player of the Year.
Brief Impact on the Game
Influence on Women’s Soccer
Although a rather brief career, Mewis still made a significant impact on the game.
Mewis’s work ethic, leadership, and skill on the field were all instrumental in the success of the USWNT, and her contributions to the sport will be remembered for years to come.
Mewis was a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team that won the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and her performance on the field was instrumental in the team’s success.
Mewis was also a two-time NWSL champion with the North Carolina Courage, and she was named the NWSL Championship MVP in 2018.
Mewis’s retirement is a reminder of the impact that athletes can have on their sport and on the world, and her contributions to women’s soccer will not be forgotten.
What’s Next For Samantha Mewis?
After announcing her retirement from professional soccer due to a knee injury, Samantha Mewis has already lined up her next venture.
She will be the editor-in-chief of a new vertical focused on women’s sports at a major media outlet.
Mewis has always been passionate about promoting women’s sports and this role will allow her to do just that.
In addition to her new role, Mewis plans to continue her involvement in soccer through coaching and mentoring young players.
She hopes to inspire the next generation of female athletes and encourage them to pursue their dreams!
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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