Sophia Wilson joined media Thursday morning for a brief but revealing conversation ahead of her return to the U.S. Women’s National Team for the first time in 17 months. Speaking from North Carolina as she prepares with the Portland Thorns, Wilson was candid, warm and clearly ready — not just as a player, but as a mother.
When she steps onto the field for the April series against Japan, she will become the 18th mom to play for the United States. And if she finds the back of the net, she’ll be the ninth mom to score a goal for the USWNT.
Patient With Herself From the Start
Wilson said she made a conscious decision early in her pregnancy to approach the entire journey — from carrying Gigi to returning to play — with patience and self-compassion.
“I knew from the time I got pregnant that I was going to be very patient with myself through the whole process. A lot of work went into it behind the scenes that a lot of people didn’t see, and a lot of work is still going into it.” — Sophia Wilson
She pushed back on the idea of returning to a singular definition of “normal,” reframing the goal entirely.
“I look at what my body has done for me and what it’s still continuing to do for me — knowing that it is very possible to be great at both things. Be a great mom and be a great athlete.” — Sophia Wilson
It Takes a Village
Wilson addressed the logistical realities of returning to camp as a nursing mother. She travels with a nanny, and wherever she goes, Gigi goes too.
“Basically, wherever I go she goes. It’s been fun to just have her everywhere. It’s going to be tough when her dad wants to take her for a week and I don’t get to see her — but we found a balance.” — Sophia Wilson
She described her approach as fully present in both roles, refusing to give anything less than everything — whether to Gigi or to her team.
“I am a mom that likes to do everything unless I literally physically can’t. I’ve been going about finding what that balance looks like — being able to be fully present and give my whole self to Gigi, and then give my whole self to whatever team I’m playing with.”
— Sophia Wilson
A New Perspective: The Goldfish Mentality
When asked how motherhood has changed the way she sees the game, Wilson didn’t hesitate. Her answer was rooted in presence.
“I feel more grounded, I feel more present, and I think that’s how I view the game as well. I’m trying to approach it with a goldfish mentality — be present in whatever practice, whatever game I’m in, and then it’s on to the next.” — Sophia Wilson
She acknowledged that life accelerates once you become a parent — and that the realization has only sharpened her appreciation for where she is right now.
“Gigi is growing up quick, and I realized my career is going by too. While I’m still in the prime years of my career, I want to enjoy it all. You can’t play soccer forever.” — Sophia Wilson
A Full Circle Moment in Denver
The third game of the Japan series takes place April 17 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado — a venue Wilson knows well from her roots in the state.
“That’s a place where I really kind of grew into who I am as a soccer player and as a person too. Getting to go back and play with the national team at this point in my career now with my little girl — it’s like a dream come true. It’s definitely a full circle moment.” — Sophia Wilson
Standing on the Shoulders of Those Who Came Before
Wilson was thoughtful when asked about the players who paved the way — both through their example on the field and through CBA negotiations that created better support systems for mothers in the sport.
“There are players who did a lot of fighting for the players that they knew would come after them — players who went through those negotiations knowing maybe it wouldn’t benefit them, but it would benefit the players who came after. For that, I’m very grateful.” — Sophia Wilson
She singled out two teammates who showed her it was possible firsthand — Alex Morgan and Crystal Dunn.
“I remember Alex’s first camp — she brought Charlie back in, and just thinking that’s so inspiring, so incredible. And Crystal is like a big sister to me. I got to see it all. Having those examples made me believe and know that I could do the same thing.”
— Sophia Wilson
Now She Is the Example
Before the 2023 World Cup, Wilson had publicly said she hoped to be like Alex Morgan someday — a mom on the national team. Now, just ahead of the next World Cup cycle, she finds herself in exactly that position.
“Now being that player that I once viewed Alex as — I think is pretty surreal. I hope that I carry myself in the same way that Alex did, where it showed young girls and athletes that it is very possible to do both. Have a family and play at a high level and just do all the things.” — Sophia Wilson
The USWNT faces Japan three times this April. The series opens on April 11 at PayPal Park in San Jose, followed by April 14 at Lumen Field in Seattle, and wraps up on April 17 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado. Tickets for all three matches are available at ussoccer.com.