Mewis relishing in the opportunity to play alongside older sister in Tokyo
Posted June 24, 2021 10:58 p.m. EDT
Updated June 24, 2021 11:38 p.m. EDT
Cary, N.C. - In 2016, NC Courage midfielder Sam Mewis just missed the Rio Olympic squad and had to settle on being named as an alternate.
“I don't think that I was wronged in any way. I definitely think that what happened was appropriate," said Mewis. "I think I just really took it upon myself these last five years to make sure that I was never in the position again where I was close, but just not quite there”
Three NWSL titles, a FIFA World Cup Championship and a US Women’s Soccer Player of the Year award later, Mewis has found herself firmly on the roster headed to the Tokyo in July.
"First off I was relieved and just excited that I had finally accomplished what I have been thinking about for the past five years," said Mewis.
Just five years for a personal chip on the shoulder, but she’s shared the Olympic dream with her older sister, Kristie, for much longer.
"I remember watching the '99 women's World Cup as a family," said Mewis. "I think as soon as Kristie and I realized that there was an opportunity to play soccer at this level and represent the country, we both were like okay that's what we're gonna do, and there was never any kind of backup plan."
No backup needed. The plan turned in to a reality, as Sam and Kristie will be the first pair of sisters on the U.S. women’s soccer team on a world championship stage.
"It's even so cool to just have two sisters playing in the NWSL together, said Mewis. "But to really accomplish making a world roster like this is just something so crazy and unbelievable and I never could have thought what actually happened."
While the Mewis sisters relish in how their hard work has led to this unique opportunity, Sam says when it comes to really attributing it to something, it all goes to their parents.
"It's obviously really exciting for the whole family and my parents have given so much to us," said Mewis. "Obviously we wouldn't be here without their sacrifices and then giving us so many opportunities, so we're really just grateful to them and excited that we get to do this as a family."
The U.S. opens against Sweden on July 21, two days before the opening ceremony, and will play New Zealand (July 24) and Australia (July 27) in the other group-stage matches. Before heading to Japan, the team will play Mexico on July 1 and 5 in East Hartford, Connecticut.
