Sophia Wilson's Return Inspired By 'Incredible' Moms of USA's Past

Superstar forward makes her return to the national team after pregnancy and giving birth to her daughter

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:20pm by Ben Kaplan

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angle view of a women's soccer player in motion, conveying the energy and dynamism of the sport.The return of USWNT star Sophia Wilson, a new mom, represents the progress women's soccer has made in supporting elite athletes who are also parents.Portland Today

Three years after looking up to USWNT moms like Alex Morgan and Crystal Dunn, 25-year-old Sophia Wilson is now one of them. Wilson was just named to her first national team roster in 15 months after her pregnancy and giving birth to her daughter, Gigi, in August 2025. She'll likely feature in three upcoming April matches against Japan as the 18th mom ever to play for the USWNT.

Why it matters

Wilson's return to the USWNT is a significant milestone for women's soccer, highlighting the growing support and resources available for elite athletes who choose to start a family during their careers. Her journey also serves as an inspiration for younger players who aspire to balance motherhood and professional sports at the highest level.

The details

After missing the entire 2025 NWSL season while pregnant, Wilson recently returned from maternity leave and played in her first game for the Portland Thorns on March 13. She's been building minutes with her club but has yet to play a full 90 minutes, as she takes a measured approach to her comeback. Wilson credits the support and resources she's received, including a nanny who travels with her, as key factors in her ability to successfully navigate this transition.

  • In the spring of 2023, Wilson participated in a USWNT media day ahead of the World Cup, where she looked up to moms like Alex Morgan, Crystal Dunn and Julie Ertz.
  • Wilson's last appearance for the U.S. was on Oct. 24, 2024 in a 3-1 win over Iceland.
  • Wilson gave birth to her daughter, Gigi, in August 2025.
  • Wilson was just named to her first national team roster in 15 months after her pregnancy and giving birth.
  • Wilson will likely feature in three upcoming April matches against Japan.

The players

Sophia Wilson

A 25-year-old superstar forward for the U.S. women's national team and the Portland Thorns, who is making her return to the national team after pregnancy and giving birth to her daughter, Gigi.

Alex Morgan

A veteran USWNT player and one of the moms Wilson looked up to when she was participating in a USWNT media day in 2023.

Crystal Dunn

A USWNT player and one of the moms Wilson looked up to when she was participating in a USWNT media day in 2023. Dunn is also a big sister figure to Wilson.

Julie Ertz

A veteran USWNT player and one of the moms Wilson looked up to when she was participating in a USWNT media day in 2023.

Michael Wilson

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

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What they’re saying

“It's so special. I don't think I could have imagined it. I think I knew I always wanted to be a mom. I've always been very maternal and I love kids and feel like that's my biggest calling in life is to be a mom. So I just feel very fortunate that I'm in the position I'm in, having players like Alex go through it was just the coolest thing to see.”

— Sophia Wilson, USWNT Player

“Being that player that I once viewed Alex as is pretty surreal. And I hope that I carry myself in the same way that Alex did where it showed younger 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, USWNT Player

“Getting back to playing at a high level is not just a straight path. It's not going to happen with the snap of my fingers. 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, USWNT Player

“I remember [Morgan's] first camp she brought [her daughter] Charlie back in and just thinking, 'That's so inspiring, so incredible.' And just watching her go through that and get back to playing at a high level, I think was just my first example that I got to see firsthand of someone doing that.”

— Sophia Wilson, USWNT Player

“And then obviously I played with Crystal [in Portland and on the USWNT] when she had Marcel, and that was the most fun thing ever. I feel like I just got to see it all. And Crystal is like a big sister to me, so just being so close with her while she went through that was really amazing to see.”

— Sophia Wilson, USWNT Player

What’s next

Wilson will likely feature in three upcoming April matches against Japan as she continues her return to the USWNT.

The takeaway

Sophia Wilson's journey back to the USWNT after pregnancy and childbirth serves as an inspiring example of how elite female athletes can successfully balance motherhood and professional sports. Her return highlights the growing support and resources available for women in this position, paving the way for future generations of players to follow in her footsteps.