Sophia Wilson on Becoming a Mom, Her Million-Dollar Milestone, and What's Next

By 25, Sophia Wilson — “Soph” to basically everyone — has already done the things most players spend a career chasing: No. 1 overall draft pick at 19, Olympic gold and an National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) title and MVP. She’s also  one-third of "Triple Espresso," the attacking trio with Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson and that made the 2024 Olympics must-watch TV. But ask her about the strongest version of herself, and she won't point to the field. This season, she returned to the Portland Thorns after having her daughter, Gigi — now a regular in the Providence Park stands and a fan favorite in her own right — and came back as the league's first million-dollar player.

It's all part of how she's redefined strength on her own terms, and one reason she partnered with Aveeno and TOGETHXR on a campaign celebrating the many forms of women's strength. We talked to Soph about motherhood, the part of the comeback nobody sees, the chemistry that makes Triple Espresso click, and why her favorite mantra these days is simply: “Be where your feet are.”

On what becoming Gigi’s mom has taught her… 

“What surprised me the most was how much being both a mom and athlete has brought out of me … things that I didn't even realize I had in me. I knew I was strong, but seeing how my body grew a life, nourished a life, and returned to playing at a high level has just redefined what strength looks like to me.”

On the part of the comeback no one sees…

“I wish more people understood what goes on behind the scenes and the obstacles that come up that are not talked about as often. There's more to coming back [to pay professionally] than just getting your body back to its previous self. Some of the hardest parts are the mental and emotional obstacles that not everyone can see.”

On how much the NWSL has changed since she began…

“I would say the level of investment in the NWSL is what feels the most different since I got to the league in 2020. You see teams all around the league investing in new infrastructure that is just for them, [more] broadcast deals [are] happening, and just an overall bigger platform to showcase the product that has always been there.”

On becoming the league's first million-dollar player…

“This milestone was much more than just the number to me. It was setting a new standard in women's soccer and women's sports, and pushing the game forward.”

On what she still has left on her career bucket list… 

“The beautiful part about sports is that there's always something to reach for and to strive for. You can never really ‘make it,’ and I love the challenge of pushing myself to get better and better.”

On that Triple Espresso magic…

“I think when you have great chemistry off the field, it naturally translates onto the field. We all play fast and with similar mentalities that just mesh well together.”

On what not every fan knows about her… 

“People don't see who I am when I'm not on the field. And I would actually say [that] the strongest version of myself is the one off the field, who is a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, and managing everything in those roles while also training day in and day out to be the best player I can be. One important part of that is not forgetting to take care of myself, through self-care and doing things that fill up my cup as well. When I feel like the best version of myself, I can be that for everyone around me.”

On who's been in her court…

“My family has been in my court from day one, believing in me and pushing me to be the best version of myself. 

On the risk that paid off…

“Making the decision to leave Stanford early was definitely one that was a big risk, but made the most sense to me. It wasn't super common for a female athlete to make a decision like that at the time, so many thought it was a bold choice, but it was me following my dreams.”

Rapidfire: 

A handful of fast getting-to-know-you questions, with no overthinking required.

Favorite way to celebrate a Thorns win? Going to get sushi with my family afterwards.

Hardest part of being a forward? Accepting that not every shot will go in, but having a goldfish mentality and moving on to the next one. 

Best advice you’ve ever gotten from a coach? Don’t let anyone or anything take away the confidence you have in yourself. My dad [told me that].

A piece of advice you’d give your younger self? Be where your feet are, [which means] be present.

Your “I’m locked in” meal or snack? Pasta before a game.

Comfort show or movie? Gilmore Girls.

One thing you hope your daughter sees when she watches you play? Her mommy having fun and never giving up.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.