Two Thorns players head from Portland to Paris with spots on Olympic roster

This won't be Sophia Smith's first time representing the nation in a major tournament.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Two Portland Thorns’ players will make their Olympic debuts late next month.

The club announced Wednesday that forward Sophia Smith and midfielder Sam Coffey would join the U.S. Women’s National Team for the Paris Olympic Games. Head Coach Emma Hayes named the two Portland athletes in addition to 16 other players on Wednesday morning.

This won’t be Smith’s first time representing the nation. She was selected for USWNT’S World Cup roster in 2023. And, at just 22 years old, she scored the team’s first goal in the tournament.

“It's always an honor to represent the United States, but to do so at the Olympics is a privilege that is difficult to put into words,” Smith said in a statement. “Every kid dreams of getting to be a part of the Olympics, including myself, and I cannot wait to hopefully bring home another Gold Medal for the United States.”

Now at 23 years old, Smith has also signed a record-breaking contract with the Thorns — making her the highest-paid player in the National Women’s Soccer League.

She will head to the Olympics alongside her teammate Coffey, who will compete in a major tournament for the first time.

“Making the Olympic roster is a lifelong dream come true,” Coffey said. “I’m so honored and I could not be more excited to represent Team USA, and the Thorns at such an incredible event.”

On Friday, July 5, the Thorns will host an Olympic Send-Off at their game against San Diego Wave in Providence Park. The Olympic team will head to New Jersey just a few days later, in preparation for their “friendly matches” against Mexico and Costa Rica ahead of the main event.

The players will officially begin the 2024 Paris Olympics with a match against Zambia on July 25.