Sam Coffey Bio
Samantha Grace Coffey (born December 31, 1998) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defensive midfielder for the Portland Thorns of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), which she captains, and the United States national team. Coffey played college soccer for the Boston College Eagles and the Penn State Nittany Lions and was drafted by the Thorns in the first round of the 2021 NWSL Draft. She won the 2022 NWSL Championship in her rookie season with the Thorns. She has been named in the NWSL Best XI two times. Coffey made her senior debut for the United States in 2022. She won the gold medal with the national team at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Early Life and Background
Samantha Grace Coffey was born in New York City, New York, on December 31, 1998. She grew up in Sleepy Hollow, New York, where she was exposed to soccer at a young age. Coffey played youth club soccer for Match-Fit Academy and New York Soccer Club, where she was recognized as a five-time region 1 team honoree and named an All-American. In high school, she attended the Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, where she excelled as a soccer player, earning team MVP honors all four years and serving as team captain for two seasons. Coffey was named the league player of the year three times and scored over 100 goals during her high school career. She also represented the United States in youth soccer, participating in various international tournaments.
Path to Soccer
Coffey began her collegiate soccer career with the Boston College Eagles in 2017. During her freshman year, she led the team in assists and points, earning a spot on the All-ACC third team and the freshman team. She was named co-rookie of the year and received the Boston College Freshman Scholar Athlete of the Year award. In her sophomore season, she helped the Eagles reach the first round of the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Tournament. After two successful seasons at Boston College, Coffey transferred to Pennsylvania State University to continue her collegiate career. At Penn State, she became a standout player, scoring 25 goals and recording 30 assists over three seasons. She was recognized multiple times for her academic and athletic achievements, including being named the Big Ten Midfielder of the Year in her final season.
Sam Coffey Career
Early Career (2017–2021)
After completing her college career, Coffey was drafted by Portland Thorns FC with the 12th overall pick in the 2021 NWSL Draft. Although she initially hesitated to enter the draft due to uncertainty about her future, she ultimately signed a two-year contract with the Thorns on January 7, 2022. Coffey made her professional debut in the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup and quickly established herself as a key player for the team. She started in 26 games during her rookie season, contributing to the Thorns’ success in winning the NWSL Championship. Her impressive performance earned her a nomination for NWSL Rookie of the Year and a spot on the 2022 NWSL Best XI First Team.
Breakthrough (2022–Present)
Coffey’s breakthrough came during her rookie season with the Portland Thorns, where she played a pivotal role in the team’s championship victory. Her ability to control the midfield and contribute both defensively and offensively set her apart as a player. In June 2022, she earned her first call-up to the United States women’s national team, making her debut in a friendly match against Nigeria on September 6, 2022. Coffey’s international career continued to flourish, culminating in her selection for the U.S. roster at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where she played a crucial role in securing a gold medal for her team.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout her career, Coffey has achieved significant milestones, including winning the NWSL Championship in 2022 and earning a gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics. She has been recognized for her outstanding performances, being named to the NWSL Best XI twice and receiving various accolades for her contributions on the field.
Sam Coffey Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Sam Coffey has received nominations for various awards, including the NWSL Rookie of the Year and multiple selections to the NWSL Best XI.
Sam Coffey Awards Won
Sam Coffey has achieved notable success in her career, including winning the NWSL Championship in 2022 and a gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Sam Coffey Family
Sam Coffey was born to Wayne Coffey, a sportswriter, and Denise Willi. She has a sister named Alex, who is also a sportswriter and covers the Philadelphia Phillies.
Personal Life
Details about Sam Coffey’s personal life are limited, but she is known to have pursued her education in journalism at Pennsylvania State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree and began working towards a graduate degree.
