Sophia Smith named USWNT Player of the Year for 2022 🏅 | OneFootball

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Emily Wilson·6 January 2023

Sophia Smith named USWNT Player of the Year for 2022 🏅

Article image:Sophia Smith named USWNT Player of the Year for 2022 🏅

The United States Women’s National Team have confirmed their 2022 Player of the Year on Friday.

Sophia Smith earns the honours this time, becoming the youngest player to win the award (22) since Mia Hamm in 1994.


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The Portland Thorns forward finished the year as the leading scorer for club and country, became the youngest-ever NWSL MVP and was also the NWSL Championship Game MVP.

“Obviously this is surreal, and I’m super humbled,” said Smith. “It’s been a very exciting year, and certainly there’s been some challenges, but just being able to grow and develop in the environments with the National Team and the Thorns, and being surround by such amazing players, players that I have looked up to for so long, has pushed me to become a better player and person.”

“I’ve said many times, if you embrace these environments, you have no choice but to get better and grow, and that’s a testament to the players, coaches and all of the staff.

“I appreciate everyone holding me to such high standards day in and day out. This award wouldn’t be possible without all those people, and the best thing about it, is that it’s fun too. The journey is so much better when you are doing something so fun and something you love.”

Smith is just the fourth player to win both the U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year and U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year alongside Tobin Heath, Julie Ertz and Lindsey Horan.