SOPHIA SMITH | WHAT IT TAKES

Sophia Smith is an absolute force on the soccer field. As one of the most dominant goal scorers in the league, she was just named Most Valuable Player in the NWSL. At 22 years old, she is the youngest MVP in league history. Smith has already made herself a household name with the #USWNT , most recently scoring the lone US goal against England at Wembley Stadium. In front of 90,000 fans, no less.

A clinical goal scorer, a creative playmaker, and a nightmare for defenses. Smith's energy is palpable, and her wisdom is beyond her years. We got to sit down with the rising superstar to talk about her time at #Stanford, the #PortlandThorns, her growth within the National Team, and her hopes for the future. The sentiment we left with? She’s just getting started.

00:00 - Passion for soccer
00:29 - Growing up with the game
00:58 - First national team camp
01:43 - Continuing the USWNT legacy
02:07 - Time at Stanford
02:25 - Dealing with injury
02:50 - Winning the national championship
04:02 - Debut in Portland
04:45 - Pressures of being an athlete
05:28 - Importance of mental health

In our #WhatItTakes series, we explore the dreams, sacrifices, talent and dedication of soccer players as they navigate the path from youth soccer to professional soccer and stardom.

Follow SOCCER.COM on:
►Instagram:   / soccerdotcom  
►Twitter:   / soccerdotcom  
►Facebook:   / soccerdotcom  
►YouTube:    / soccerdotcom