Samantha Keala Staab Bio
Samantha Keala Staab is an American professional soccer player who plays as a center back for Chicago Stars FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She was drafted by the Washington Spirit in 2019 after playing collegiately for the Clemson Tigers. Staab debuted for the United States national team in 2024.
Early Life and Background
Samantha Staab was born on March 28, 1997, in San Diego, California. She is of Hawaiian descent through one of her grandmothers. Staab played club soccer for the DMCV Sharks during her childhood, which laid the foundation for her future in the sport. She attended Scripps Ranch High School, where she excelled in soccer, playing on the varsity team for all four years and serving as captain during her final two years. Following high school, Staab continued her education and soccer career at Clemson University, where she played for the Clemson Tigers women’s soccer team from 2015 to 2018. Her time at Clemson was marked by significant achievements, including being selected for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) All-Freshman team in her first year.
Path to Soccer
Staab’s collegiate career at Clemson was notable; she started all 20 games in her freshman season and earned All-ACC honors in her subsequent years. By the time she graduated, she had recorded 33 career assists, tying her for the fourth-most in school history. Her impressive performance at the collegiate level caught the attention of professional scouts, leading to her selection in the 2019 NWSL College Draft. After being drafted fourth overall by the Washington Spirit, Staab made her professional debut on April 13, 2019, against Sky Blue FC, where she scored a goal in a 2–0 victory. Her rookie season was remarkable as she played every minute of the season, becoming one of only two players in NWSL history to achieve this feat.
Samantha Keala Staab Career
Early Career (2019-2023)
Staab’s early career was defined by her tenure with the Washington Spirit. She quickly established herself as a key player, earning a spot on the NWSL Team of the Month multiple times in 2019, 2020, and 2021. In 2020, she continued her streak of playing every minute of the season, showcasing her durability and skill on the field. In 2023, she set a new record for consecutive regular season starts, reaching 73 games, and played every minute of 90 consecutive matches, completing three iron woman seasons.
Breakthrough (2024-Present)
In January 2024, Staab was traded to the Chicago Stars FC, where she continues to play as a center back. Her transition to the Stars marks a new chapter in her career, as she aims to build on her previous successes. On July 25, 2024, Staab faced a setback when she was placed on the season-ending injury list due to an Achilles tendon tear during a match against NJ/NY Gotham FC.
Notable Works and Milestones
Staab’s signature achievements include her consistent selection for the NWSL Team of the Month and her record-breaking consecutive starts. She was also nominated for NWSL Defender of the Year in the 2023 season, highlighting her impact on the field.
Samantha Keala Staab Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Samantha Staab has received several nominations, including recognition for her defensive skills and contributions to her teams.
Samantha Keala Staab Awards Won
While specific awards won are not detailed, Staab’s consistent performance has earned her accolades and recognition within the league.
Samantha Keala Staab Family
Information regarding Samantha Staab’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Samantha Staab’s personal life, including relationships and children, are not disclosed in public records.