SOFIA HUERTA: From Idaho to Soccer’s Biggest Stage

PHOTO BY JANE GERSHOVICH - OL REIGN

BY DAVE SOUTHORN

She was one of the best to ever put on cleats in the state of Idaho, but Sofia Huerta had to be patient to earn the chance of a lifetime.

A 2011 Centennial High graduate, Huerta was a standout collegiately at Santa Clara and immediately began a pro career in the United States, with two stops in Australia. The daughter of a Mexican-born father and an American mother, she played for Mexico’s national team at 19.

But her goal was to one day suit up for the red, white, and blue that is the powerhouse United States Women’s National Team.

She got the chance in 2017, making seven appearances over the next two years. She didn’t play for the United States again until 2021, as she sought out a role that fit her and the national team, shifting from an attacking position to one more defense-focused. This summer, it paid off. Huerta made her Women’s World Cup debut on July 22, becoming the first Idahoan to appear in the biggest women’s soccer tournament in the world. She also is the first woman to play for and against the United States, having done so with Mexico a decade ago.

“The one thing I heard and really have taken in is just ‘enjoy this time,’” Huerta said July 25 in New Zealand. “It’s really easy to just think about the next game…it’s still such a great opportunity to be here.” Though the two-time defending World Cup champion Americans were shocked by Sweden in the round of 16, ending repeat hopes, it was a major achievement in an impressive career for Huerta, 30.

Huerta currently plays professionally with OL Reign, a Seattle-based team in the National Women’s Soccer League. As of September 6, she had 31 career assists, tied for the most in league history.

“I’ve faced a lot of adversity in my career and there were definitely times where I wasn’t sure if it was going to be possible for me to be named to a World Cup roster or Olympic roster,” Huerta said following OL Reign’s June 24 win, three days after being named to the World Cup team. “Going to my first big tournament at 30, it feels crazy, but it just shows that I have a lot of perseverance and resilience.”