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Sam Coffey
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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.
Key Information
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 career
[edit]Youth
[edit]Coffey played youth club soccer for Match-Fit Academy and New York Soccer Club, where she was a five-time "region 1 team" honoree and named an All-American. In high school, she played for the Masters School, located in Dobbs Ferry, where she was selected as team MVP all four years and was a team captain for two seasons. She was named the league player of the year three times, and scored 100 goals in high school.[1]
Boston College
[edit]Coffey began her college soccer career with the Boston College Eagles in 2017. She led the team in assists and points as a freshman, and was selected to the All-ACC third team and freshman team. She was her team's co-rookie of the year, and was the Boston College Freshman Scholar Athlete of the Year.[1] As a sophomore in 2018, she helped the team reach the first round of the 2018 NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Tournament, their first appearance since 2015. She was the team leader in both goals and assists, and was a semi-finalist for the Hermann Trophy. She was a United Soccer Coaches first-team All-American, was included in the All-ACC first team, and was selected as the ACC midfielder of the year. In both years she was also included in the All-ACC Academic Team. During her two seasons at the school, she started all 40 games, scoring 17 goals and recording 24 assists.[3][4]
Penn State
[edit]
In December 2018, it was announced that Coffey would transfer to Pennsylvania State University to play for the Nittany Lions starting in the 2019 season.[5] She enrolled in classes at the school in January 2019.[6] In her junior season in 2019, she scored 11 goals and recorded 10 assists, ranking second in the Big Ten Conference with her 32 points. She helped the team to win the 2019 Big Ten Women's Soccer Tournament, in which she scored an equalizing penalty goal in the final against Michigan to send the game to extra time.[7] The team advanced to the round of 16 of the 2019 NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Tournament before losing 2–0 to eventual champions Stanford. During her senior 2020–21 season, which was postponed to spring semester due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Coffey scored 6 goals and recorded 12 assists in 16 matches for the team as a captain. Penn State were eliminated in the round of 16 of the 2020 NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Tournament, losing to eventual runner-up Florida State. As the NCAA granted all student-athletes another year of eligibility due to the pandemic, Coffey played her fifth college season in 2021 as a graduate student. She recorded 8 goals and 8 assists in 21 games, with the team losing in the round of 16 of the 2021 NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Tournament to South Carolina.
In all three seasons, Coffey was included in the All-Big Ten and All-North Region first teams. She was included in the United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-America Second Team in 2019, and the CoSIDA Academic All-America First-Team in 2020–21. She was selected as the Big Ten Midfielder of the Year in 2020–21, and in the same season was included in the Senior CLASS Award First Team All-America. In 2019 and 2020, she was also included in the CoSIDA Academic All-District first team. Coffey made 62 appearances during her three seasons at Penn State, scoring 25 goals and recording 30 assists. She finished her collegiate career with 42 goals and 54 assists in 102 appearances, becoming the 50th player in NCAA Division I to tally 40 goals and 40 assists.[1][8][9]
Club career
[edit]Portland Thorns FC
[edit]After the NCAA granted all student-athletes another year of eligibility due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Coffey decided not to enter herself into the 2021 NWSL Draft as she was uncertain about her future. Nevertheless, she was still entered into the draft, and was selected by Portland Thorns FC with the 12th overall pick in the second round.[10] However, she ultimately decided to play an additional year of college soccer with Penn State.[11]
On January 7, 2022, the Portland Thorns signed Coffey to a two-year contract.[12] She made her debut for the team in the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup on March 18, 2022, playing the full match in a 1–1 away draw against OL Reign.[13] She made her NWSL regular season debut on April 30, 2022, playing the full match in a 3–0 home win over the Kansas City Current.[14] She quickly became a regular starter, starting in 26 games in 2022 (20 regular season, 4 Challenge Cup, and 2 playoff).[15] She helped the Thorns win the NWSL Championship that year, was nominated for NWSL Rookie of the Year, and was on the 2022 NWSL Best XI First Team.[16][17]
Coffey was named Portland's captain in the 2025 season.[18] In June 2025, it was revealed that in March 2024, Coffey had signed a contract extension through the 2027 season.[19]
International career
[edit]Youth
[edit]Coffey was a member of the United States youth squads on the under-18, under-19, and under-20 levels. With the under-18 team, she attended six training camps and played in two international tournaments.[1] At the under-20 level, she was included in the U.S. squad for the 2018 CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship, held in Trinidad and Tobago.[20] The team finished as runners-up after losing the final on penalties to Mexico.[21] However, the team still qualified for the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in France, though Coffey was not selected as a squad member.[22]
Senior
[edit]In June 2022, Coffey earned her first call-up to the United States women's national team for two friendlies against Colombia.[23][22] Despite being uncapped, Coffey was later added as an injury replacement for Ashley Hatch after the group stage of the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship, but was not called on to play.[24][25] She earned her first cap, and first start, in a friendly against Nigeria on Sept. 6, 2022, and played three further matches that year.[26][27] She was called up again for friendly matches in September 2023 but did not play.[28][29] She scored her first international goal in a friendly against China PR on December 5, 2023.[30] She scored a second international goal, again against China, on May 31, 2025.
Coffey was selected to the 18-player roster for the 2024 Summer Olympics in France. [31] She started and played the full game in five of the six games the US played in, missing one because of yellow card accumulation.[32][19] Her play included the gold medal game against Brazil, which the United States won 1–0 on a goal from Mallory Swanson.[33]
Personal life
[edit]Coffey was born in New York City to Wayne Coffey, a sportswriter who previously worked for the New York Daily News, and Denise Willi. She grew up in Sleepy Hollow, New York, and attended the Masters School.[1] She earned her bachelor's degree in journalism from Pennsylvania State University at the end of 2020, and began pursuing her graduate degree at the school afterwards.[34] Her sister Alex is a sportswriter who previously wrote for The Athletic and currently covers the Philadelphia Phillies as beat reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer.[35]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]- As of May 16, 2025
| Club | Season | League | Cup[a] | Playoffs[b] | Continental[c] | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Portland Thorns FC | 2022 | NWSL | 19 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 25 | 1 | |
| 2023 | 22 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 27 | 0 | |||
| 2024 | 24 | 2 | — | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 28 | 2 | |||
| 2025 | 9 | 1 | — | — | 2 | 0 | 11 | 1 | ||||
| Career total | 74 | 4 | 8 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 91 | 4 | ||
- ^ Includes the NWSL Challenge Cup
- ^ Includes NWSL Playoffs
- ^ Includes CONCACAF W Champions Cup
International
[edit]- As of match played October 29, 2025
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2022 | 4 | 0 |
| 2023 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2024 | 21 | 0 | |
| 2025 | 13 | 4 | |
| Total | 41 | 5 | |
- Scores and results list United States's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Coffey goal.
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | December 5, 2023 | Frisco, Texas | 1–1 | 2–1 | Friendly | [m 1] | |
| 2 | May 31, 2025 | St. Paul, Minnesota | 2–0 | 3–0 | Friendly | [m 2] | |
| 3 | June 26, 2025 | Commerce City, Colorado | 2–0 | 4–0 | Friendly | [m 3] | |
| 4 | July 2, 2025 | Washington, D.C. | 1–0 | 3–0 | Friendly | [m 4] | |
| 5 | October 26, 2025 | East Hartford, Connecticut | 3–1 | 3–1 | Friendly | [m 5] |
Honors
[edit]- Penn State Nittany Lions
- Portland Thorns FC
- United States U20
- CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship runner-up: 2018[21]
- United States
- Summer Olympic Games Gold Medal: 2024[37]
- CONCACAF Women's Championship: 2022[38]
- CONCACAF W Gold Cup: 2024[39]
- SheBelieves Cup: 2024[40]
Individual
- Atlantic Coast Conference Midfielder of the Year: 2018
- Big Ten Conference Midfielder of the Year: 2020
- NWSL Rookie of the Month: June 2022[41]
- NWSL Best XI of the Month: June 2022, Sept./Oct. 2022, June 2023, August 2023, Sept./Oct. 2023, May 2024[42][43]
- NWSL Best XI: 2022,[44] 2023[45]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g "Sam Coffey". Penn State Nittany Lions. Archived from the original on March 3, 2024. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
- ^ "National team roster – 2022 Concacaf W Championship: USA" (PDF). CONCACAF. June 8, 2022. p. 15. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 8, 2022. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
- ^ "Sam Coffey". Boston College Eagles. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
- ^ "2021 Boston College Women's Soccer Record Book" (PDF). Boston College Eagles. August 27, 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 25, 2022. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
- ^ Smart, Bradley (December 19, 2018). "Women's Soccer Star Sam Coffey To Transfer To Penn State". The Heights. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
- ^ "Sam Coffey Joins Women's Soccer". Penn State Nittany Lions. December 18, 2018. Archived from the original on June 25, 2022. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
- ^ a b "Nittany Lions Win Big Ten Tournament Championship". Penn State Nittany Lions. November 10, 2019. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
- ^ "Women's Soccer 2021 Media Guide". Penn State Nittany Lions. August 19, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
- ^ "2021 Penn State University Women's Soccer: Overall Statistics" (PDF). Penn State Nittany Lions. November 21, 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 25, 2022. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
- ^ Herrera, Sandra (January 14, 2021). "2021 NWSL draft results: Emily Fox, Trinity Rodman and Brianna Pinto lead list of picks in trade filled night". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on August 5, 2022. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
- ^ Schlapp, Ethan (March 12, 2022). "Masters alumna Sam Coffey prepares for pro soccer debut". Tower. Archived from the original on May 26, 2022. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
- ^ "Thorns FC sign midfielder Sam Coffey to multi-year deal". Portland Thorns FC. January 7, 2022. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
- ^ Costello, Brian (March 18, 2022). "Challenge Cup Recap". Portland Thorns FC. Archived from the original on June 25, 2022. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
- ^ Costello, Brian (March 18, 2022). "Match Recap". Portland Thorns FC. Archived from the original on September 26, 2022. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
- ^ "#17 Sam Coffey | National Women's Soccer League Official Site". nwslsoccer.com. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ "Sam Coffey". Portland Thorns FC. Archived from the original on February 27, 2024. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ "NWSL Announces Winners of Mastercard Best XI Awards". nwslsoccer.com. October 25, 2022. Archived from the original on October 25, 2022. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ "Portland Thorns FC Announce Roster Ahead of 2025 Season". Portland Thorns FC. March 12, 2025. Retrieved March 15, 2025.
- ^ a b Carlisle, Jeff (June 11, 2025). "Sources: Coffey has Thorns extension through '27". ESPN. Retrieved June 11, 2025.
- ^ "Klimkova Names 20-Player U.S. Roster for 2018 CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship in Trinidad & Tobago". United States Soccer Federation. January 10, 2018. Archived from the original on January 11, 2018. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
- ^ a b "USA Falls to Mexico 4–2 on PKs in 2018 CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship Final". United States Soccer Federation. January 28, 2018. Archived from the original on January 29, 2018. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
- ^ a b "'A dream come true': Thorns FC midfielder Sam Coffey hopes to make lasting impression in first USWNT call-up". Portland Thorns FC. June 24, 2022. Archived from the original on August 19, 2022. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
- ^ "Andonovski Names 23-Player U.S. Women's National Team Roster For Concacaf W Championship In Mexico" (Press release). United States Soccer Federation. June 13, 2022. Archived from the original on August 14, 2023. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
- ^ "Midfielder Sam Coffey Replaces Forward Ashley Hatch On U.S. Women's National Team Roster For Concacaf W Championship" (Press release). United States Soccer Federation. July 11, 2022. Archived from the original on March 25, 2023. Retrieved August 4, 2022.
- ^ Anderson, Jason (July 11, 2022). "USWNT to replace injured Ashley Hatch with Sam Coffey". USA Today. Pro Soccer Wire. Archived from the original on August 7, 2022. Retrieved August 4, 2022.
- ^ "U.S. Women's National Team Defeats Nigeria 2–1 In Front Of Packed Stadium In Washington, D.C." ussoccer.com. Archived from the original on June 4, 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ "Sam Coffey | USWNT | U.S. Soccer Official Site". ussoccer.com. Archived from the original on September 25, 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ "Brace from Lynn Williams and goal from Trinity Rodman lead USWNT to 3–0 win against South Africa in Julie Ertz's farewell match". ussoccer.com. September 21, 2023. Archived from the original on April 16, 2024. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ "U.S. Women's National Team downs South Africa 2–0 in Megan Rapinoe's final international match". ussoccer.com. September 24, 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ "USWNT vs. China PR: Highlights & Match Recap | U.S. Soccer Official Website". ussoccer.com. Archived from the original on December 16, 2023. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
- ^ Linehan, Meg (June 26, 2024). "Alex Morgan not selected to USWNT for Paris Olympics: Full roster for 2024 Games". The Athletic. Archived from the original on June 26, 2024. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
- ^ "Match Centre". FIFA. Retrieved June 11, 2025.
- ^ Mathews, Max (August 10, 2024). "USWNT vs Brazil live updates: Mallory Swanson breaks deadlock in Paris Olympics 2024 women's soccer final". The Athletic. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
- ^ "Sleepy Hollow's Sam Coffey Earns Academic All-America Honors". River Journal. July 6, 2021. Archived from the original on May 21, 2022. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
- ^ "Profile: Alex Coffey". The Philadelphia Inquirer.
- ^ Azzi, Alex (October 30, 2022). "Portland Thorns win 2022 NWSL Championship, MVP Smith scores game winner". On Her Turf. Archived from the original on November 1, 2022. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
- ^ Jurejko, Jonathan (August 10, 2024). "Brazil 0-1 United States: Emma Hayes leads USA to Olympic gold". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on August 10, 2024. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
- ^ Das, Andrew (July 19, 2022). "U.S. Women Beat Canada to Claim Spot in Paris Olympics". The New York Times. Archived from the original on July 19, 2022. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
- ^ "Horan the hero as USA down Brazil to win W Gold Cup crown". CONCACAF.com. March 11, 2024. Archived from the original on April 8, 2024. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
- ^ "2024 Shebelieves Cup final USWNT vs Canada result". U.S. Soccer. Archived from the original on April 10, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
- ^ "Portland Thorns FC Midfielder Sam Coffey Named June Rookie of the Month, Presented by Ally" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. June 23, 2022. Archived from the original on July 12, 2022. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
- ^ Clarke, Ryan (June 27, 2022). "Four Portland Thorns players named to NWSL Best XI for June; Smith, Coffey earn individual honors". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on August 4, 2022. Retrieved August 4, 2022.
- ^ "NWSL Announces September/October Best XI of the Month, Presented by Mastercard". nwslsoccer.com. October 14, 2022. Archived from the original on March 21, 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ "NWSL Announces Winners of Mastercard Best XI Awards". NWSL Soccer. November 3, 2022. Archived from the original on October 25, 2022. Retrieved October 25, 2022.
- ^ "NWSL Announces Winners of 2023 Mastercard Best XI Awards". November 6, 2023. Archived from the original on December 25, 2023. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
- Match reports
- ^ "U.S. Women's National Team Defeats China PR 2–1 in Final Match of 2023". U.S. Soccer. December 5, 2023. Archived from the original on December 16, 2023. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
- ^ "U.S. Women's National Team Rolls to 3-0 Victory over China in Minnesota on Goals from Catarina Macario, Sam Coffey and Lindsey Heaps". www.ussoccer.com. Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ "Match Hub: USA vs. Ireland". U.S. Soccer. June 26, 2025. Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ "Match Hub: USA vs. Canada". U.S. Soccer. July 2, 2025. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
- ^ "Match Hub: USA vs. Portugal". U.S. Soccer. October 26, 2025. Retrieved October 30, 2025.
External links
[edit]- Sam Coffey at the National Women's Soccer League
- Sam Coffey at Portland Thorns FC
- Sam Coffey at U.S. Soccer
- Sam Coffey at Soccerway.com
- Sam Coffey at FBref.com
- Sam Coffey at kicker (in German)
Sam Coffey
View on GrokipediaEarly life and youth career
Early life and family background
Samantha Grace Coffey was born on December 31, 1998, in Sleepy Hollow, New York.[6] She grew up in a supportive household that emphasized creativity and communication.[6] Coffey's family is deeply rooted in journalism and writing, which shaped her early worldview and media interactions. Her father, Wayne Coffey, is a veteran sportswriter who has covered major events for outlets like the New York Daily News.[8] Her mother, Denise Willi, has also been involved in media-related fields.[9] Coffey has two siblings: an older brother, Sean Coffey, who works as a television news reporter, and an older sister, Alex Coffey, a sportswriter currently covering the Philadelphia Phillies for The Inquirer.[8] The family's journalistic environment fostered Coffey's media-savvy approach from a young age; at seven, she emulated reporters by donning a makeshift outfit and scribbling on her father's legal pads, an early sign of her creative inclinations influenced by her sister's path in sports writing.[10] Coffey's initial exposure to soccer came through family encouragement and local community programs in Sleepy Hollow. Her parents enrolled her in the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) around age four or five, where she played on a team called the Hedgehogs in pink jerseys, sparking her lifelong passion for the sport.[11] This casual start in neighborhood fields allowed her to develop a love for the game amid the support of her family, who attended her early matches and balanced her growing interests with other childhood pursuits like writing and music.[12] While soccer quickly became central, Coffey occasionally faced the typical challenges of young athletes, such as balancing practice with family-driven creative activities, but her household's emphasis on perseverance helped nurture her dedication.[13]Youth soccer development
Coffey began her organized youth soccer journey in the New York area with AYSO and Patriots FC in Westchester, where she first developed her foundational skills as a midfielder.[14] She progressed to Bergen Essex Celtics in New Jersey, a club with modest resources that emphasized grit and teamwork, allowing her to compete against more established programs and cultivate resilience in midfield play.[15] By her early teens, Coffey joined Match Fit Academy, a competitive club in New Jersey affiliated with the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), which offered advanced training and exposure to national-level tournaments that refined her tactical awareness and passing ability in the central midfield.[15] She later played for New York Soccer Club, contributing to team successes in regional competitions and earning a spot on the TopDrawerSoccer Best XI for her standout performances.[16] Throughout her club career up to age 14, Coffey participated in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association's Olympic Development Program (ODP), where she was selected for regional training events that served as an entry point to higher national team considerations, focusing on technical and physical development.[17]High school career
Sam Coffey attended The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, New York, from 2013 to 2017, where she excelled on the varsity girls' soccer team under head coach Hernando Santamaria. Over her four-year varsity career, she established herself as a dominant forward and midfielder, earning MVP honors every season and being named Fairchester Athletic Association (FAA) Player of the Year three times.[18][16] Her scoring prowess was a hallmark of her play, culminating in 100 career goals for the Panthers.[19][5] As a junior in the 2015 season, Coffey served as co-captain and led the team to the FAA league semi-finals while topping the All-FAA player rankings.[20][21] She had already amassed 53 goals across her previous two seasons, showcasing her offensive impact early in high school.[20] In her senior year of 2016, Coffey captained the team to its first FAA championship, securing a 4-3 victory in penalty kicks over Greens Farms Academy in the finals after a scoreless draw.[22][11] Coffey's high school success drew significant recruiting interest, and as a junior in early 2016, she verbally committed to Boston College's women's soccer program, with plans to sign a national letter of intent during her senior year.[20] Her leadership and on-field contributions, combined with her academic standing that enabled recruitment to a Division I program, positioned her for a seamless transition to college soccer.[18]College career
Boston College
Sam Coffey enrolled at Boston College in 2017, joining the Eagles women's soccer team as a forward/midfielder for her freshman and sophomore years. Over these two seasons, she appeared in 40 matches, contributing 17 goals and 24 assists while helping the team achieve competitive success in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).[23] In her freshman year of 2017, Coffey tallied five goals and ten assists across 20 appearances, earning recognition as a key contributor early in her college career. She was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team and the All-ACC Third Team for her efforts, along with being selected as Boston College's Freshman Scholar Athlete of the Year. Her standout performances included scoring her first collegiate goal against Colgate and providing three assists in the same match. She also recorded her first career game-winning goal against ACC rival Louisville on September 17.[18][24][25][26] Coffey's sophomore season in 2018 marked a significant breakout, as she led the Eagles with 12 goals and 14 assists in 20 matches, accumulating 38 points and starting every game. She led the nation in assists for much of the season, contributing to Boston College's 14-5-1 overall record and their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2015. For these achievements, she was honored as ACC Midfielder of the Year, earned All-ACC First Team honors, and received First-Team All-America recognition.[16][27][28][29] Following her sophomore year, Coffey decided to transfer to Penn State, citing a desire for further personal and athletic growth, as well as the program's strong balance of academics and competitive soccer. She expressed no regrets about her time at Boston College but sought a new environment that aligned better with her development goals and appreciation for campus community.[30][31]Penn State
After transferring from Boston College ahead of the 2019 season, Sam Coffey joined the Penn State Nittany Lions women's soccer team, where she quickly established herself as a key midfielder. Over three seasons from 2019 to 2021, she made 62 appearances, scoring 25 goals and providing 30 assists, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output.[32] Her debut year was particularly impactful, as she started all 25 matches, tallied 11 goals and 10 assists to rank second in the Big Ten Conference with 32 points, and helped lead Penn State to the 2019 Big Ten Tournament championship.[16] Coffey earned first-team All-Big Ten honors that season, recognizing her pivotal role in the team's success.[4] The 2020 and 2021 seasons were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a shortened spring schedule for 2020-21 and adjustments to the traditional fall calendar. Despite these challenges, Coffey maintained high performance levels, earning first-team All-Big Ten recognition for the 2020-21 and 2021 seasons as well.[4] She was named the Big Ten Midfielder of the Year in 2021 and received United Soccer Coaches All-America first-team honors that fall, highlighting her leadership and consistency amid the disruptions.[33] Under her influence as a senior captain, Penn State secured three consecutive Big Ten regular-season titles from 2019 to 2021.[32] In December 2020, Coffey graduated from Penn State with a bachelor's degree in journalism, a milestone that shaped her broader career perspective by blending her athletic pursuits with storytelling and communication skills inherited from her family.[10] This academic achievement also earned her CoSIDA Academic All-America first-team honors in 2020-21, underscoring her balance of excellence on and off the field.[34]Professional club career
2021 NWSL Draft and signing
As a senior at Penn State University during the 2020-21 academic year, Sam Coffey became eligible for the 2021 NWSL College Draft, which selects top collegiate players for professional contracts in the National Women's Soccer League.[35] Her preparation for the draft included completing her senior season with the Nittany Lions, where her performances as a versatile midfielder—highlighted by 8 goals and 8 assists over 21 matches—positioned her as a strong candidate, briefly referencing her standout college achievements that drew scout attention.[4][36] Pre-draft evaluations ranked her fifth overall on TopDrawerSoccer's 2021 NWSL Draft Big Board, praising her ability to cover ground dynamically, deliver line-splitting passes, and drive forward from midfield, while scouting reports from outlets like Stumptown Footy emphasized her offensive versatility and potential for immediate impact in the final third.[37][36] On January 13, 2021, Coffey was selected as the 12th overall pick in the second round of the 2021 NWSL College Draft by the Portland Thorns FC, a selection that aligned with the team's need for midfield depth and creativity.[35] Following the draft, she opted to finish her collegiate obligations before turning professional, participating in Penn State's spring 2021 season amid the league's delayed timeline due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[38] Coffey officially signed her first professional contract with the Portland Thorns FC on January 7, 2022, after completing the fall 2021 training camp and her college career.[39] The two-year deal carried a rookie salary at the league minimum of $35,000, standard for entry-level NWSL contracts under the 2022 collective bargaining agreement.[40] Expectations centered on her role as a defensive midfielder, where her physicality, ball-winning skills, and transitional play were anticipated to bolster the Thorns' midfield structure and provide connective support between defense and attack.[36][39]Portland Thorns FC
Sam Coffey made her professional debut with the Portland Thorns FC in the 2022 NWSL season after being selected in the 2021 NWSL Draft. In her rookie year, she appeared in 19 league matches, scoring 1 goal and providing 2 assists, while anchoring the midfield during the team's run to the NWSL Championship.[41] Her contributions were instrumental in the Thorns' 2-0 victory over the Kansas City Current in the final, securing their third league title. Over the 2023 season, Coffey started all 22 regular-season games, leading the league with 8 assists despite no goals, helping the team secure a playoff spot.[42] As of the end of the 2025 regular season, she had accumulated 90 league appearances and 5 goals across her first four seasons with the club.[43] Coffey's consistent performances in midfield established her as a key leader for the Thorns. She was named to the NWSL Best XI First Team in both 2022 and 2023, recognizing her defensive solidity and playmaking ability.[42] In 2025, her teammates voted her as the club's captain, highlighting her growing influence on and off the field amid a transitional period for the team. In March 2024, Coffey signed a contract extension with the Thorns, committing her to the club through the 2027 season.[44] The 2024 season saw her start 24 matches, scoring 2 goals and adding 3 assists, as the Thorns clinched a playoff berth but fell 2-1 to NJ/NY Gotham FC in the quarterfinals. Entering 2025, the team navigated significant roster changes, including the departures of veterans like Christine Sinclair and Becky Sauerbrunn, with Coffey providing stability in midfield.[45] She recorded 2 goals and 4 assists in 25 regular-season appearances, helping the Thorns secure another playoff spot and advance to the semifinals with a 1-0 extra-time win over San Diego Wave FC on November 9. However, the Thorns were eliminated in the semifinals, losing 2–0 to the Washington Spirit on November 15.[46][47][48] On January 14, 2026, Manchester City announced the signing of Coffey from Portland Thorns FC on a contract until the summer of 2029, subject to international clearance.[2] The transfer fee was reported to be $875,000 (£650,000) plus potential add-ons, marking the highest outgoing transfer fee in Portland Thorns history, surpassing previous records such as Lindsey Horan's $330,000 transfer to Lyon in 2023.[7][49]Manchester City
On January 14, 2026, Manchester City announced the signing of United States international midfielder Sam Coffey from Portland Thorns FC on a contract until the summer of 2029, subject to international clearance.[2] The transfer fee was reported to be around $875,000 (£650,000) plus add-ons.[7] Coffey, who had served as captain for the Thorns, will wear the number 17 jersey and joins the Women's Super League leaders as their first signing of the January transfer window.[2] Described as a combative, composed, and intelligent holding midfielder, she is expected to bolster the team's midfield depth in their pursuit of the league title.[2]International career
Youth national teams
Coffey began her involvement with the United States youth women's national teams at the under-18 level, attending six training camps and participating in two international tournaments during her high school years. In one notable match, she captained the U-18 team against Northern Ireland, earning player of the game honors for her commanding midfield performance.[16] Transitioning to higher age groups, Coffey joined the under-19 squad for a training camp in January 2017, followed by another U-19 camp in February 2017 alongside future Penn State teammates. Later that year, she contributed to the under-20 team's success in a March tournament, helping secure a 2-1 record across three matches, and attended a U-20 training camp in May. These experiences highlighted her growing role as a defensive midfielder capable of dictating tempo and providing stability.[18][50][51][52] In 2019, while at Penn State, Coffey received her first call-up to the under-23 women's national team for a training camp, marking a key step in her progression toward senior international consideration. This selection underscored her development in youth programs, where her tactical awareness and leadership in midfield drew attention from national team scouts.[53]Senior national team
Sam Coffey earned her first senior cap with the United States women's national team (USWNT) on September 6, 2022, starting in a 2-1 friendly victory over Nigeria in Washington, D.C.[1] She impressed in her debut, contributing to the midfield alongside veterans like Alex Morgan, and later reflected on the match as one of the best nights of her life.[54] Coffey scored her first international goal on December 5, 2023, in a 2-0 win against China PR in Frisco, Texas, heading in a corner kick during the second half.[1] By October 29, 2025, she had accumulated 41 caps and 5 goals for the USWNT, establishing herself as a reliable defensive midfielder known for her composure and passing accuracy.[55] Although not selected for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup roster, Coffey rebounded strongly, securing starting roles in the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup, where she started all matches including the 1–0 final victory over Brazil on March 10, 2024, and the 2024 SheBelieves Cup, contributing to another title win.[56][57] She then earned a spot on the USWNT squad for the 2024 Paris Olympics as a starting midfielder.[58] She featured prominently in the tournament, starting all group stage matches including the opener against Zambia, but served a one-match suspension for the quarterfinal against Japan due to accumulated yellow cards. Coffey returned to start the semifinal against the Netherlands and played the full 90 minutes in the gold medal final, a 1-0 victory over Brazil on August 10, 2024.[59][60] Her defensive solidity and ability to break up play were instrumental in the team's undefeated run to Olympic gold, her first major international tournament appearance.[61] In 2025, following the Olympics, Coffey integrated seamlessly into the evolving USWNT roster under coach Emma Hayes, becoming a cornerstone of the midfield with her leadership qualities and goal-scoring threat.[62] She scored four goals that year, including a late header off a corner in a 3-1 friendly win over Portugal on October 26 in Connecticut, helping the team rebound from a 1-2 upset loss to the same opponent three days earlier in Chester, Pennsylvania.[63][64] Coffey started both matches, earning her 39th and 40th caps respectively, and emphasized collective accountability after the initial defeat, underscoring her growing vocal presence in the squad.[65][66] Her performances highlighted her adaptation to Hayes' tactical system, blending defensive duties with offensive contributions in preparation for future competitions.[67]Personal life
Education
Coffey completed her secondary education at The Masters School, a private preparatory institution in Dobbs Ferry, New York, graduating as part of the class of 2017.[68] She began her higher education at Boston College, enrolling as a freshman in 2017 and continuing through her sophomore year while participating in the university's soccer program. In 2019, Coffey transferred to Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), where she pursued a major in journalism with an emphasis on sports media and writing.[69][70] This academic path aligned closely with her family's longstanding involvement in media; her father, Wayne Coffey, is a veteran sports journalist and author, while her mother, Denise Willi, wrote for Scholastic, providing early inspiration for her interest in storytelling and reporting.[13][10] Throughout her time at Penn State, Coffey adeptly managed the demands of her journalism coursework alongside her athletic commitments, earning accolades for academic achievement such as United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-America honors in 2019 and 2021.[34][71] She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism in the fall of 2020. Post-graduation, Coffey continued her education at Penn State by enrolling in graduate studies in journalism, where she maintained a 4.0 grade point average.[71][72]Off-field activities and recognition
Coffey has engaged in philanthropic efforts focused on community support, particularly through her collaboration with Helping Hands Reentry Outreach Centers in Portland, Oregon, an organization aiding individuals and families transitioning after incarceration. This work highlights her commitment to local families and earned her a nomination for the 2024 Lauren Holiday Impact Award, presented by Nationwide, recognizing her off-field impact and character. In Portland, the Portland Thorns FC supported her initiatives during Appreciation Night on September 13, 2024, emphasizing her role as a community connector.[73] In her hometown of Sleepy Hollow, New York, Coffey has participated in community events celebrating women's soccer achievements, including a village-wide ceremony on August 22, 2024, honoring her Olympic gold medal and designating the day as "Sam Coffey Day" across Westchester County. These gatherings fostered local pride and engagement with youth soccer initiatives. Her involvement extends to broader women's soccer promotion, drawing from her experiences to inspire young athletes in both regions.[74][75] Coffey maintains an active media presence through interviews that showcase her personality and insights, such as a November 2025 appearance on the U.S. Soccer Podcast, where she discussed leadership and creative pursuits. Her public persona is influenced by her sister, Alex Coffey, a sports journalist who has covered Sam's career milestones, including her USWNT debut, blending family support with professional exposure. In June 2025, she was announced as an inductee for the Westchester Sports Hall of Fame, with the ceremony held on November 6, 2025, recognizing her contributions to sports and community in her home county.[12][76][77] Off the field, Coffey pursues hobbies like playing piano and collecting Squishmallows, plush toys that reflect her playful side amid a demanding schedule. Post-2024 Olympics, she has navigated the challenges of heightened visibility as a national team stalwart and Thorns captain, emphasizing servant leadership rooted in her faith to balance personal growth with team support. These activities underscore her multifaceted life beyond athletics.[12][45]Career statistics
Club statistics
Sam Coffey has played her entire professional club career with Portland Thorns FC in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) since 2022.[43]Regular Season Statistics
| Season | Appearances (Starts) | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 19 (18) | 1 | 2 |
| 2023 | 22 (22) | 0 | 8 |
| 2024 | 24 (23) | 2 | 3 |
| 2025 | 25 (25) | 2 | 4 |
| Total | 90 (88) | 5 | 17 |
Playoff Statistics
| Season | Appearances (Starts) | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 (2) | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 1 (1) | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 1 (1) | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2 (2) | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 6 (6) | 0 | 0 |
Career Club Totals
Across 96 appearances (94 starts) in NWSL regular season and playoffs with Portland Thorns FC through November 2025, Coffey has recorded 5 goals and 17 assists.[43][78]International statistics
Sam Coffey has amassed 41 caps and 5 goals for the senior United States women's national team (USWNT) as of October 2025, with 3 assists in her international career.[55] Her debut came on September 6, 2022, in a 4-0 victory over Nigeria, marking her entry into senior international play.[1] In 2025 alone, she featured in 13 matches, starting 8 and logging 792 minutes while contributing 4 goals.[55] A key highlight includes her participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she appeared in 5 matches during the gold medal-winning campaign, including the group stage, semifinal, and final, though she missed the quarterfinal due to suspension.[59][1] The following table summarizes her senior USWNT statistics:| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Caps | 41 |
| Total Goals | 5 |
| Total Assists | 3 |
| 2025 Appearances | 13 |
| 2025 Goals | 4 |
| Olympics 2024 Matches | 5 |
| Youth Level | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| U-18 | 2 | 0 |
| U-19 | Not specified | 1 (at least) |
| U-20 | 14 | 1 |
| U-23 | Camps only | 0 |