Sam Coffey interview: Soul untucked – Out on the porch with USWNT’s Olympic six

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(Rebekah Wynkoop / Sports Press Photo)

Critically acclaimed for some time, and coming to a large-scale international audience this summer; no Sam Coffey fans, however, will be conflicted at seeing the aficionado’s choice hitting the mainstream. The United States’ Olympic-ready midfielder is slick, resolute, and so vintage that her cassette tape’s starting to skip.

A new U.S. Women’s National Team era is firmly in play. Emma Hayes’ first tournament squad arrived in France this week for their part in the Paris Games, with Sam Coffey among their major-competition debutantes.

A 2022 NWSL champion, the Portland Thorns favourite is strongly admired at club level; two full professional seasons have brought First XI selections in the league’s Team of the Year. The 25-year-old’s international breakthrough has been a slower burner, but she has risen to USWNT ever-present in 2024, under interim coach Twila Kilgore and since Hayes’ official arrival last month.

Her case to be the on-field fulcrum of their emerging generation has considerably strengthened, as the team seeks its bona fide successor to the retired Julie Ertz in the number-six position. It may be stepping on baseball folklore to acclaim her the straw that stirs the drink, but the New Yorker is certainly old-school enough to be the dime in the jukebox – and not just for how she throws it back to multi-purpose midfielders, in an age of defined ‘holding’ and attacking roles.

If the tucked shirt isn’t evidence enough of her classic-edition credentials, Chicago Red Stars forward Ally Schlegel last year described her friend and former Penn State University teammate on this site as ‘such an old soul,’ declaring, “I do not think she listens to music after the 1980s.” How does she plead?

“Guilty as charged! I am definitely an old soul at heart; I feel like I was born in like ‘65.

“I move at a slow pace, I love to have my coffee on the porch in the morning, and I love reading books and newspapers; I feel like I’m very old-fashioned in that way. Music as well, I’ll bounce around in different genres but a lot of what I love are things that I grew up listening to with my dad, on drives to practice and things like that.

“I love Paul Simon, I love Fleetwood Mac, Johnny Cash is a personal favourite as well. I grew up listening to a lot of this singer-songwriter, Richard Thompson, with my dad as well.”

It is a seasoned spirit somewhat belied by her birthdate of New Year’s Eve 1998, in New York City. A night of such landmark local events as Friends’ Ross Geller boldly declaring a ‘no divorces in ‘99’ resolution – swiftly revised upon being told he was technically still married. “Just the one divorce in ‘99!”

That may not have really been happening that very night, or even in Manhattan (nothing captures NYC quite like a studio in California). In any case, Sleepy Hollow native Sam is far more Monk’s Café than Central Perk.

“I have kind of an older taste in TV, too; my all-time favourite show is Seinfeld. We grew up watching it as a family, so again, it’s very nostalgic for me, even though I was pretty young watching some of these episodes so some of the humour went right over my head!

“Now I’m able to get it a little more. I don’t watch a ton of TV but Seinfeld’s a favourite.”

Even without subscribing to the show’s eternal ‘no hugging, no learning’ mantra, last season’s NWSL assist leader (8) does possess the capability to cut through opposition like an acerbic one-liner. When she branches out from supply mode, there is a breathtaking bolt still apparent in the one-time Penn State attacking ace’s game.

March’s 99th-minute equaliser at home to Racing Louisville was a euphoric case in point, chopping inside a defender on the edge of the box before pulling out a glorious right-footer into the far corner. She details how she has set about blending her collegiate best with her pro career’s repurposed, deeper-lying poise.

“I like to think of myself as a six that can play like a ten. Obviously, my job as a six is very different than it was as a ten, but I love that I can bring a lot of that same attacking energy and that forward-minded thinking to a role that is mostly defensive-minded, or maybe can often get a little too lateral or too negative.

“I think a big challenge to myself is if I can play forward, I’m playing forward. Sometimes you just have to relieve pressure, the smartest pass, but I like to challenge myself to just be front-footed in that way, and to constantly think – even if it is a scary pass – ‘high risk, high reward.’”

In Seinfeldian terms, Portland’s pass dispenser is into her own ‘Summer of George,’ and without even needing to be fired from the Yankees first – “Three months’ full pay for doing nothing!” Setting up camp in her apartment – an armchair with a built-in fridge; what technological dreams the ‘90s held – won’t be necessary, but the Costanza spirit has at least placed a fateful invitation in Sam’s path (just not perilously on the stairs this time).

This first major-tournament call might well have been merited a year ago. Although introduced to the fold by Vlatko Andonovski, a subsequent spot merely on the periphery of the national-team picture would mystify avid NWSL observers, culminating in missing the cut for the squad’s ill-fated 2023 World Cup.

While explaining her process for rationalisation, she does not downplay the body blow felt at the time.

“When you don’t make the roster, of course, it hurts. Especially not being with the group as they inched closer to the World Cup, I was able to figure the trajectory of where things were going, but it was the same amount of disappointment and sadness, and hurt, regardless.

“You work for something, you pour your life, your heart, your soul into this craft, and you fall short of a goal that you had. I felt like I was doing everything I could in my power, and it just wasn’t the right fit, it wasn’t enough.

“It wasn’t to be, in that summer, so of course, I navigated a ton of emotion during that time, but I had a choice of what I was going to do with it. I could sit and feel bad for myself and sulk, and you’ve got to give yourself time and space to feel things and be sad.

“I didn’t rush that process at all, but I think it was an experience that reminded me of what I’m capable of. It gave me an opportunity to really hone in on specific areas of my game that needed attention.”

That game already had an admirer from afar in Emma Hayes. Her new coach spoke recently of the impression that her Thorns performances had left on the then-Chelsea boss, both for the play that directly set up three more goals than anyone else in 2023’s NWSL, and the sleeves-up endeavour that will shortly be key to keeping the US on the front foot.

In an Olympic group with established contenders Germany and Australia, and a Zambia team possessing world-class forwards, Sam believes that Hayes’ appointment sends them in on a vital uplift.

“She just brings such a different energy to our group and that was something that struck me from really early on. I feel like she’s equal parts honest and clear, and some of that English bluntness!

“So many coaches can lack that at this level and beat around the bush with the truth. But also pairing that with what I observe as a true, deep care for players, beyond what they can do on the field; who they are as people, what happens in their life.

“I feel really honoured to be playing for her.”

The US have twice lifted the World Cup since their last Olympic triumph (a period commensurate with Kramer’s 12-year bagel-shop strike…). Other nations’ improvement is by now far more than a rumour, but writing the Americans off remains ill advised.

While an obvious transition is at work – a first tournament since 2008 without any of Megan Rapinoe, Becky Sauerbrunn, Alex Morgan or Kelley O’Hara – the squad maintains plenty to have not just trodden the tournament track but torn through its finish line, alongside the latest from an ever-resplendent selection pool. An environment that breathes competitive fire, the moments to loosen the strain have long been deemed equally essential.

For both sides of that coin, their elite attacking-turned-defensive champion continues to help prescribe the spark.

“A lot of the time, it’s Crystal (Dunn), she’ll take over as DJ, or Rose (Lavelle), (Emily) Sonnett. If we’re getting ready for a game, it’s a lot of dance music, fun music.

“There is some dancing, and then maybe post-game, we like to slow it down; some r&b, something a little bit more chill and relaxed. We have some great DJs on the team, they always read the room and the vibe very well; I don’t think I would be the right person for that job, considering my music taste is not really standard for somebody my age!”

Despite admitting how she has been learning to love moments of silence, there is always a melody waiting to stir her soul.

“I feel like there’s a soundtrack to my life, quite honestly. My hours on Spotify are pretty absurd, and so are my playlists!

“There’s always a different vibe or theme to the things I’m going through, things I’m feeling. I love being able to appreciate different genres and cultures, and the history connected with those things.

“I think even in my faith, I love gospel music and how important it was, as it pertains civil rights and slavery. So, it is a monumental part of my life.

“I love the songs I’ve grown up listening to, I love the songs that remind me of people or places, I love new music. I’m constantly Shazam-ing things; if I’m at a restaurant, I’ll stick my phone up to the speaker, or look up the lyrics on Google and struggle to find the name of it!

“It’s a critical part of my life and is something that I think has become a massive part of me.”

The wrist tape she wears on the field contains various written messages to herself, differing each game, though one surrounding her belief is a constant. Listening to a spoken-word devotional around faith and confidence forms a fundamental part of every game day, while classical music often sends her into the locker room suitably soothed.

Also part of her morning routine in Portland, it is a genre she has history with.

“I did grow up playing the piano, so I feel like I have some bit of musical ability! Not with my voice, but that was a big theme growing up for me and my brother and sister.

“I played classical piano for ten or 15 years growing up, and did it pretty intensely.”

If Pearl Jam originally calling themselves Mookie Blaylock – the NBA point guard whose jersey number became the title of their iconic ‘10’ album – seemed a tidy crossover, a current band goes by the name of Sam Coffey & The Iron Lungs. Sadly, the power-pop Toronto six-piece are named after their lead singer.

The USWNT’s number 17, however, has herself been seen on the mic, as part of a trio channelling a mysterious piano man. If she was to professionally record a cover track with any career teammates, a Rose City revival would be rolling into town.

“I’ll go with Meghan Klingenberg, because we have done karaoke together before. I will say her and Rocky Rodríguez (now of Angel City FC), who was there as well; we did quite a cover of ‘The Longest Time’ by Billy Joel.

“I’ll probably say those two, just knowing how well received our last performance was!”

That song was also Klingenberg’s choice for the very same question in 2015, when the fireball full-back featured on here shortly before starting every game in the USWNT’s World Cup triumph. A 16-year-old Sam, meanwhile, posted a photo from the stands at their opening game, a win over Australia in Winnipeg, Canada.

Nine years on, she steps into the tournament spotlight at her first Olympics – first Summer Olympics, at least. At seven years old, the 2006 Winter Games provided a formative slice of Americana, all the way from Italy.

The Turin edition was among an avalanche of Olympics covered by her father – journalist/author and New York Times best seller, Wayne Coffey, whose work includes co-authoring USWNT greats Carli Lloyd and Briana Scurry’s books. Sam and her family were along for the ride.

“I remember painting my face with American flags and having ‘USA’ signs, cheering for sports I’d never even heard of before! But the pride that I even felt to cheer for Team USA as a little kid, those were such special memories for me and my family, and I think as I’ve grown as a soccer player, has only been something that has pushed me to want to experience that as now an athlete.

“I’m very excited for all that’s ahead.”

As often referenced in her story, journalism is essentially the family business. Besides being Sam’s major in college, her two siblings have carved respective paths in the industry: sister, Alex (Philadelphia Phillies writer for The Philadelphia Inquirer), and brother, Sean (reporter for the North Carolina TV station ABC11 Eyewitness News). Their mother, Denise, was also formerly an associate editor for Scholastic.

A foot in both the writers’ room and locker room would seemingly lend Sam unique understanding of the sport’s spiralling media machine. Heightened attention on players’ lives and their every public word has arguably lent itself to an increasingly-guarded player-to-media dynamic, at least in the main.

Coming from a background of detailed storytelling and coverage of athletes, Sam offers her perspective.

“I think I can understand both sides. As an athlete, I know I’ve felt at times, ‘Oh, let me maybe keep my distance from this person!’ or ‘maybe I don’t wanna say something here.’

“You of course have to be careful with what you say and have to be smart, and be mindful that journalists aren’t your friends; I think that’s another thing that I’ve had to learn! Being in a family with so many of them, I’m like, ‘Wait, your job is to actually report the truth,’ and sometimes the truth hurts or it’s not what you want to hear.

“I’ve had this discussion with my dad before, if someone maybe writes a bad piece about the Thorns or we’re not playing well, and I’ll be like, ‘Oh, how could they?’ My dad’s like, ‘It’s their job – you guys didn’t play well.’

“‘Okay, that’s fair!’ But again, as someone who does understand both sides to it, I have nothing but respect and admiration for journalists in their field, and I believe they’re a massive part of our game growing the way that it is.

“Something I’ve loved in reading my sister’s pieces and my dad’s work as well – even my brother in a different capacity – they find these angles and nuances about athletes’ stories that maybe the world wouldn’t know but they really feel passionate about being told.”

A player who operates at the heart of a game’s intensity, she has developed a commitment to finding the calm – a touch of ‘serenity now,’ if you will – in her moments away.

“It’s hard, absolutely. It’s a challenging career, it’s a challenging lifestyle.

“I’m someone that’s really mindful of my peace and what brings me joy, on and off the field, and protecting my boundaries. For me, one of those things is social media; some weeks I’m on, most weeks I’m off!

“I’m done with Twitter, I deleted that a long time ago; I found that it did me no good, quite honestly, to see what people think about anything! I just find that it’s not serving to me, and so much of social media is just fake, quite honestly.

“Although there are positive parts to building your brand, and I love being able to see my friends and family from far away, it’s also a trap, and it’s something where you can so easily slip into comparison, or judgement of self or others. So much of what it can be doesn’t align with my values and the way I want to live out my life.

“I think continuing to remind myself that I am more than a soccer player and that my life off the field matters just as much. I love living in Portland, there’s so much to do and to see here, and I feel like I’ve built a home and a life here that has brought me a lot of joy.

“Being a soccer player and an athlete is such a key to the puzzle that’s me, but it’s not all that I am.”

Who she is, of course, leads in no small part back to life growing up. In Sleepy Hollow, NY – another for the cultural-reference catalogue – music undeniably helped colourise the tale.

A drop of humour went together with searing sentimentality in Sam’s early listening.

“John Prine, my dad had probably ten of his CDs in his little Honda Accord, and we’d just play them on the way to practice. I think it was his first album, John Prine, and he has one called Sweet Revenge, so any of those I would say I have the earliest memories of.

“I love records, I had a record player in Sleepy Hollow. I don’t have one here but I think they’re just really cool, so I’ll just buy them here and hold on to them, in the hopes of getting a record player at some point.”

After a Penn State adventure that set the bar high for a sense of belonging, two-and-a-half years into life in the Pacific Northwest has allowed the adopted Portlander to get blissfully in tune with the offbeat in her corner of Cascadia. The day job, meanwhile, brings some esteemed company, and none more legendary than ‘Captain Canada’ herself, Christine Sinclair.

While these Olympics bring the bizarre feeling of a global tournament without international football’s all-time leading scorer, the continuation of her club career has meant a little longer for Sam and others to savour time with an icon. In the energy of the Thorns’ locker room, does the famously-understated leader ever temporarily pull rank and head for playlist control?

“No, she doesn’t, but she’s a big Céline Dion girl, so that’s fun. I would say Kelli Hubly is pretty much always our DJ.

“Sometimes Bella Bixby gets to slip on there, and she also has an older taste in music, so I’m always a fan of that – not everybody loves it, but I love when she’s on aux! It’s usually Kelli; Kelli’s playing all sorts of modern, explicit songs that children should not hear!

“Our locker room is always a fun place to be.”

Away from Portland’s pursuit of the NWSL post-season – last year’s regular-season runners-up and play-off semi-finalists sit favourably in 5th with ten games to go – Sam has been keeping her respite captivating.

“I did very recently go to a concert here, at this tiny, little theatre with my mom when she was in town visiting, for a group called Ladysmith Black Mambazo. They do a lot of gospel and traditional South African music; Paul Simon did most of his Graceland album with them.

“We saw that they were coming to Portland, so we got tickets, and it was one of the most incredible concerts I’ve been to. You get to learn a lot about the South African culture and how so much of their music relates to apartheid.

“This is kind of what I was hinting at with my taste being eclectic – it’s either classic rock, ‘90s rap or South African gospel!”

Luckily, she actually got to go to that one.

“I had tickets to see The Lumineers two years ago, and that was when I was called up to go to CONCACAF qualifying (in Mexico) late to replace Ashley Hatch after she got injured, so I had to sell those tickets,” she laughs. “Fair enough, I will go to qualifying!”

Nothing gets to gatecrash her calendar for now. A part in the world’s premier sporting showpiece awaits; from demo tapes and coffee-shop gigs, to the international stadium tour.

As the stars – and stripes – align for her debut on the global stage, she intends to continue holding true to her own style. Just how the Man in Black would have.

“I think I would pick Johnny Cash,” she responds when asked the all-time performer she would choose to see. “I love his music; I love older country music.

“I think he’s also just awesome. He’s a man of faith as well.

“He definitely ruffled a lot of feathers when he was alive. He’s from Arkansas, I think everybody kind of expected him to be this typical Southern man, and here he was protesting war, and was definitely a champion for racial equality as well.

“He was just this rebel, and I love that.”

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Published by Christian Brookes