USWNT's Sophia Wilson Returns After Giving Birth to Daughter

The star forward is back on the national team roster after a 17-month absence.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:33pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a female soccer player in motion, broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes of vibrant red, blue, and yellow colors.Sophia Wilson's return to the USWNT after becoming a mother represents the evolving role of women in elite sports.San Jose Today

Sophia Wilson, a forward for the Portland Thorns, has been named to the U.S. national team roster for three upcoming matches against Japan. Wilson took time away from soccer to give birth to her daughter Gianna last September. She says becoming a mother has helped shift her perspective and approach the game with a 'goldfish mentality' of living in the moment.

Why it matters

Wilson is a key player for the USWNT, and her return to the national team after giving birth is an important milestone for women's soccer. Her experience as a new mom could provide valuable insights and inspiration for other elite female athletes balancing motherhood and their careers.

The details

Wilson, formerly known as Sophia Smith, is married to Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson. She will take part in three USWNT matches starting on April 11 in San Jose, California, after a 17-month absence from the national team. Wilson says becoming a mother has helped her feel more grounded and present, allowing her to approach the game with a 'goldfish mentality' of living in the moment.

  • Wilson gave birth to daughter Gianna last September.
  • Wilson will return to the USWNT roster for three matches starting on April 11, 2026.

The players

Sophia Wilson

A forward for the Portland Thorns who has been named to the U.S. national team roster after a 17-month absence to give birth to her daughter.

Michael Wilson

Sophia Wilson's husband, who plays wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like my perspective on just life in general has shifted a lot, I think, in all the best ways. 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 — I always have, but I think more than ever — a goldfish mentality. It's just, be present in whatever practice, whatever game I'm in, and then it's on to the next.”

— Sophia Wilson

What’s next

Wilson will participate in three USWNT matches against Japan starting on April 11 in San Jose, California.

The takeaway

Sophia Wilson's return to the USWNT after giving birth to her daughter Gianna demonstrates the growing acceptance and support for elite female athletes who choose to start families. Her new perspective as a mother could provide valuable insights to help inspire and empower other women in sports.