Stanford soccer star chasing Olympic gold in cross-country skiing

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Sammy Smith, a 20-year-old sophomore on the Stanford women's soccer team, will compete as part of the U.S. cross-country ski team at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy. Smith's path to the Games zig-zagged Europe on the World Cup circuit and required her to pause mid-ski season to make time for NCAA soccer, where she helped lead the Cardinal to the NCAA championship game.

Why it matters

Smith's ability to excel at both soccer and cross-country skiing at an elite level is a remarkable athletic feat. Her story highlights the growing trend of multi-sport athletes, especially in women's sports, who are able to balance the demands of competing at the highest levels in multiple disciplines.

The details

After returning to Stanford in July for preseason, Smith made 14 starts in 25 matches, including the postseason, where the Cardinal lost 1-0 to Florida State in the championship. Two days later, she was back in Alaska, preparing and placing second in a U.S. SuperTour race. The juggle between sports meant Smith had only one shot at qualifying for the Games. On Jan. 17, barely a month into the ski season and only a month after that NCAA final, Smith put together a career-best performance to secure her spot on Team USA at the World Cup in Oberhof, Germany.

• After returning to Stanford in July for preseason, Smith made 14 starts in 25 matches, including the postseason.
• Two days after the NCAA championship game, Smith was back in Alaska, preparing and placing second in a U.S. SuperTour race.
• On Jan. 17, barely a month into the ski season and only a month after the NCAA final, Smith secured her spot on Team USA at the World Cup in Oberhof, Germany.

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