Sophia Wilson Returns to USWNT With Fresh Perspective: “I Want to Enjoy It All”

Not only was “Smith” still on the back of her jersey, but she had yet to step into the next chapter of her life and career as a mom. After 17 months away, the forward is set to make her return to the international stage next week. Wilson was named to the USWNT April roster for her first call-up since the birth of her daughter, an event she said has shifted her perspective on life “in all the best ways.

” “I feel more grounded, more present, and I think that's how I view the game as well,” Wilson said. “I realized that my career is going by, and while I'm still in the prime years, I want to enjoy it all. You can't play soccer forever, unfortunately.

So, I think just being present, more than anything, is what I'm trying to take from being a mom. ” The near year-and-a-half away from the sport was the longest absence of Wilson’s professional and international career. After winning an NCAA championship with Stanford in 2019, she was selected No.

1 overall by the Portland Thorns in the 2020 NWSL Draft. She thrived over the next few years, earning NWSL MVP honors and a league title in 2022 while becoming a consistent part of the USWNT attacking unit. Wilson recorded three goals and two assists in the 2024 Olympics as part of the “Triple Espresso” front line that led the team to a gold medal.