By age 25, Sophia Wilson — “Soph” to everyone — has already accomplished what most players spend a career chasing: the #1 overall draft pick at age 19, Olympic gold, and a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and MVP title. He is also a third "triple espresso" a striking trio with Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson and made the 2024 Olympics must-see TV. But ask him about his stronger version, and he won’t point to the field. This season she returned to the Portland Tors after having her daughter, Gigi – now a regular at Providence Park and a a fan favorite in its own right – and returned as a league the first million dollar player.
It’s all part of how she’s redefined strength on her own terms, and part of the reason she’s partnered with Aveeno and TOGETHXR a campaign that celebrates the many forms of women’s power. We spoke to Soph about motherhood, the part no one sees coming back, the chemistry that makes Triple Espresso click, and why her favorite mantra these days is simply: “Where your feet are.”
What mothering Gigi has taught her…
“What surprised me the most was how much being a mom and being an athlete made me do things… that I didn’t even realize. I knew I was strong, but seeing how my body lived, fed life, and going back to playing at a high level just redefined what strength meant to me.”
In the back part, no one sees …
“I wish more people understood what goes on behind the scenes and the obstacles that aren’t often talked about. Getting back (professional pay) is more than just getting your body back to the way it was. 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 started…
“I would say the level of investment in the NWSL is the most different since I’ve come into the league in 2020. You see teams all over the league investing in new infrastructure that’s just for them, (more) broadcast deals (more) being done) and just a bigger platform to showcase the product that’s always been there.
About becoming the league’s first million dollar player…
“This milestone was more than a number for me. It set a new standard in women’s football and women’s sports and pushed the game forward.”
On what she’s got on her career bucket list so far…
“The beautiful thing about sports is that there is always something to achieve and strive for. You can never really ‘make it,’ and I love pushing myself to get better and better.”
That Triple Espresso magic…
“I think when you have great chemistry off the court, it naturally translates onto the court. We all play fast and have the same mindset that just fits together.”
About what not all fans know about him…
“People don’t see who I am when I’m not on the court. And I can actually say that the strongest version of me is the person who is off the court, who is a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, and manages everything in these roles, and at the same time trains every day to be the best player I can be. An important part of this is not forgetting to take care of myself, take care of myself, when I perform well. I feel like the best version of myself. I can be that to everyone around me.”
About who was in his court…
“My family has been on my court from day one, believing in me and pushing me to be the best version of myself.
About the risk that paid off…
“Making the decision to leave Stanford early was definitely a big risk, but it made the most sense for me. It wasn’t very common for a female athlete to make that decision at the time, so many people thought it was a brave choice, but I followed my dreams.”
Rapid fire:
A few quick questions to get to know you without much thought.
Favorite way to celebrate a Horns win? After that I go to get sushi with my family.
The hardest part of being a forward? Accept that not every shot will go in, but have a goldfish mentality and move on to the next one.
Best advice you ever received from a coach? Don’t let anyone or anything take away your confidence. My father (told me).
One piece of advice you would give your younger self? Be where your feet are, (ie) be present.
Your “me in the box” meal or snack? Pasta before the game.
Comfort show or movie? Gilmore Girls.
One thing you hope your daughter plays while watching you? His mother has fun and never gives up.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
