Samantha Ryan Hiatt Bio
Samantha Ryan Hiatt is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender for Portland Thorns FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She previously played for OL Reign, where she helped the team win the 2022 NWSL Shield, and NJ/NY Gotham FC. Hiatt has established herself as a prominent figure in women’s soccer, known for her defensive skills and leadership on the field.
Early Life and Background
Samantha Hiatt was born on January 6, 1998, in Kirkland, Washington. She attended Seattle Preparatory School, where she played for the school’s varsity soccer team for four years and served as captain during her junior and senior seasons. In 2016, she was recognized as the league’s defender of the year and was named the Seattle Prep Athlete of the Year. Additionally, she earned the title of Washington State Gatorade Player of the Year in 2015 and was selected for the Best XI team of the High School All-America game. Hiatt also played club soccer for Crossfire ECNL, where she captained the team from 2012 to 2016. In 2014, she was called up to the under-18 youth national training camp, marking her early involvement in competitive soccer. Hiatt continued her education and soccer career at Boston College before transferring to Stanford University, where she played for the Stanford Cardinal.
Path to Soccer
After transferring from Boston College, Samantha Hiatt played collegiate soccer for the Stanford Cardinal while attending Stanford University. During her time at Stanford, she was a three-time All-Pac-12 selection and a two-time All-American. Hiatt played a crucial role in leading Stanford to the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship in both 2017 and 2019, and she captained the team in her senior year. Over her collegiate career, she recorded two goals and nine assists, earning recognition as an all-conference third team member in her final season.
Samantha Ryan Hiatt Career
Early Career (2020-2023)
Samantha Hiatt was selected by OL Reign in the fourth round (33rd overall) of the 2020 NWSL College Draft. She made her debut for the club on October 17, 2020, in a 2–0 win against Utah Royals FC during the 2020 NWSL Fall Series. Hiatt quickly became a starting center back, appearing in all nine of her games in the 2021 season, although a back injury cut her season short. In the 2022 season, she started in all 19 games and played a total of 1,710 minutes, leading the team with 81 clearances, which ranked her tenth in the league. Her performance contributed to OL Reign finishing first in the regular season with an 11–7–4 record, winning the NWSL Shield.
Breakthrough (2024)
On January 24, 2024, NJ/NY Gotham FC acquired Samantha Hiatt in a three-team trade with OL Reign and Racing Louisville FC. She made her club debut for Gotham FC on March 24, 2024, in a 1–0 win over Portland Thorns FC. Hiatt played in 17 games, starting in 12 of them, and scored her first professional goal on October 20, 2024, in a 3–1 victory over the Orlando Pride.
Notable Works and Milestones
Samantha Hiatt’s signature work includes her contributions to OL Reign and her role in leading Stanford to NCAA championships. She has received accolades for her defensive skills and leadership, including the NWSL Shield in 2022.
Samantha Ryan Hiatt Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Samantha Hiatt has been recognized for her outstanding performance on the field, particularly during her collegiate years and her time with OL Reign.
Samantha Ryan Hiatt Awards Won
Samantha Hiatt has achieved notable success in her soccer career, including winning the NWSL Shield in 2022 and the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship in 2017 and 2019.
Samantha Ryan Hiatt Family
Information regarding Samantha Hiatt’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Samantha Hiatt is of Filipino descent. She has maintained a focus on her professional career and has not publicly disclosed details about her personal relationships.