US Soccer recently announced midfielder Samantha Mewis as the 2020 Female Soccer Player of the Year.

The nominees were players who have been recognized for their outstanding performances and hard work. The winners were determined by a vote casted by various soccer professionals, players and coaches. Nominations for the women’s player of the year include Abby Dahlkemper, Crystal Dunn, Lindsay Horan, Christen Press and Mewis. 

Many were thrilled to hear the news, including Women’s National Team head coach Vlatko Andonovski.

“I am very happy for Sam,” Andonovski said in an interview with a reporter. “Due to her work ethic and mentality to be the best player she can be, her every day dedication to being a professional and her sincere caring for her teammates and the team as a whole, she’s a true example of what the USWNT stands for. She has proven herself and excelled in three different environments this year and I know she has even more great times ahead in her career.” 

Standing six feet tall, Mewis is currently the tallest USWNT player in history. Her height gives her an advantage because she has been able to win numerous balls in the air during games. She has scored 18 goals and had six assists this season. Additionally, she has started the last three games and played in the last seven.

Mewis is known for scoring four times at the Olympic qualifying game and is called “one of the worlds best two-way midfielders.” Fans admire her for her dribbling, passing and ability to shoot the ball from a far distance. These achievements had led her to win this title. 

Mewis is more than thrilled and grateful for the honor she has been given. Additionally, she is thankful for her teammates, coaches and those who have supported her. 

“It’s obviously a huge honor to be a part of the list of players that have won this award in the past,” Mewis said in an interview. “It should go without saying that it’s the team that does the work on the field and I just have so much respect for the other nominees this year and all my teammates. I’ve just loved playing with them on the U.S. Team and with my teammates for the Courage and Man City. It’s still such an honor to even get called into a U.S. camp, to get playing time and to be able to score goals for my country. All that continues to be surreal to me. I owe so much to so many people who have helped me on my journey and any individual award is a credit to them”. 

This is just the beginning of Mewis’ journey. The 28-year-old has a lot to look forward to in her future and has bigger goals ahead of her. While many sports seasons have been shut down, US Soccer has been up and running, which gives players like Mewis an opportunity to grow and improve.

“I’m just really humbled that I got the opportunity to play for the USA and for two fantastic clubs this year,” Mewis said. “My family and husband have been so supportive and to even get the opportunity to play soccer this year with everything so uncertain has been a gift.”