Sam Coffey USWNT: An Unbreakable Star is Born

Sam Coffey USWNT midfielder, is a player forged in the fires of disappointment and now celebrated as the indispensable core of a new era. Her journey from a devastating World Cup omission to becoming a cornerstone of Emma Hayes’ Olympic gold-winning squad is a testament to resilience, intelligence, and an old-school grit that many thought had vanished from the modern game. Just one year after being left off the 2023 World Cup roster, Coffey has not only reclaimed her spot but has redefined her importance, prompting her new manager to make a powerful declaration: “They don’t make players like Sam Coffey anymore.”

The World Cup Snub: A Defining Moment

In 2023, the news that Sam Coffey would not be traveling to Australia and New Zealand for the FIFA World Cup sent shockwaves through the NWSL community. At the time, she was a standout performer for the Portland Thorns, a consistent, ball-winning defensive midfielder whose stability and tactical awareness were widely praised. The omission, under then-coach Vlatko Andonovski, was a bitter pill to swallow for the then 24-year-old. It was a moment that could have derailed a promising international career. Instead, it became the catalyst for her remarkable transformation.

Raised in a family of journalists and a journalism student herself, Coffey possesses an inherently inquisitive and analytical mind. She approached the setback not as a final verdict but as a problem to be solved. She channeled the disappointment into fuel, returning to the Portland Thorns with a renewed determination to not just perform, but to dominate. Her work rate intensified, her on-field leadership became more pronounced, and she focused on refining every aspect of her game, ensuring that she would be impossible to overlook again. This period of intense self-reflection and hard work laid the foundation for the player who would emerge in 2024.

The Rise of a Thorns Captain

While her international career was momentarily paused, Coffey’s stock in the NWSL continued to soar. Drafted 12th overall in 2021, she quickly established herself as a vital piece for the Portland Thorns. Her rookie season in 2022 was nothing short of spectacular, culminating in an NWSL Championship victory where her midfield presence was crucial to the team’s success.

By 2024, her leadership qualities were formally recognized as she was named captain of the Thorns. This role solidified her status as not just a talented player, but a true on-field general. For Portland, she is the metronome, the player who dictates the tempo, breaks up opposition attacks, and initiates the transition to offense. Her ability to read the game, to be in the right place at the right time, and to win crucial 50/50 duels is the bedrock upon which the Thorns build their play. Her consistency and unwavering commitment to the team’s success have made her a fan favorite and one of the most respected players in the league.

Emma Hayes on the Unique Quality of Sam Coffey USWNT

When Emma Hayes took the helm of the USWNT, she brought a new philosophy and a fresh set of eyes. One of her immediate priorities was to build a team with tactical flexibility, mental toughness, and a clear identity. In Sam Coffey, Hayes found a player who embodied all these traits. Hayes’ praise for Coffey has been effusive and specific, highlighting a blend of traditional and modern midfield qualities.

“She’s in the form of her life,” Hayes remarked after a recent series of friendlies. “She’s getting better with every game and I think she’s finding her flow.” The comment, “They don’t make players like Sam Coffey anymore,” speaks to Coffey’s unique profile. She is a throwback to the classic No. 6—a pure ball-winner and defensive anchor. Yet, Hayes is challenging her to evolve.

The Double Pivot Evolution

Under Hayes, the Sam Coffey USWNT role has been expanded. Instead of operating solely as a deep-lying holder, she is now frequently deployed in a double pivot, often alongside another young talent, 19-year-old Claire Hutton. This tactical setup requires Coffey to push higher up the pitch, contribute more to the attacking phase, and develop a dynamic partnership in the heart of the midfield.

The results have been immediate and impressive.