Becky Sauerbrunn

Becky Sauerbrunn is a decorated former professional soccer player, recognized for her critical defensive skills and leadership, with a career highlighted by multiple World Cup wins and Olympic gold medals. After being named the Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year in 2003, Becky Sauerbrunn established herself as one of soccer’s most decorated defenders. Her early career included contributing to four Missouri State Cup victories and a Midwest Regional Championship in 2000. Sauerbrunn was also recognized as a two-time Parade All-American (2002, 2003).

On the international stage, Sauerbrunn was a critical member of the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT), securing a silver medal at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup and an Olympic Gold Medal at the 2012 London Summer Olympics. Her impactful career continued with Utah Royals FC, where she earned another NWSL Defender of the Year award in 2019 and was named to the NWSL Best XI. Joining Portland Thorns FC in 2020, Sauerbrunn continued her championship run, winning the NWSL Community Shield (2020), the NWSL Challenge Cup, International Champions Cup, and NWSL Shield (2021), and another NWSL Championship (2022). She was named co-captain of the USWNT in 2016 and played a pivotal role in their triumph at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, adding a second World Cup title to her resume.

In 2024, Sauerbrunn further cemented her legacy by winning the CONCACAF W Gold Cup. Following a distinguished 16-year professional career, Becky Sauerbrunn officially retired from soccer on December 17, 2024, having amassed a remarkable record of leadership, defensive excellence, and numerous championship titles across club and international competitions.