Sam Meza’s Rise with the Seattle Reign

Since her return to the Seattle Reign, Sam Meza has truly thrived.

The midfielder has quickly become one of the standout players this season, even earning her first call-up to the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) back in June. She’s not just a talented athlete; her pride in being a Mexican-American woman is something she carries with her both on and off the field.

Meza was drafted 17th overall out of the University of North Carolina in 2024. However, her initial experience was far from smooth. After signing her first professional deal, she struggled with the transition. A few months later, she found herself back in her hometown playing for the USL Super League team Dallas Trinity for the remainder of the season.

But this setback didn’t deter her. In fact, she found a newfound confidence in her new environment, aided by more playing time.

“I think they welcomed me with open arms and allowed me to be who I am,” she reflected. “It helped me get myself back together and instill confidence.”

When Meza returned to the Reign in 2025, the changes were evident.

“I was given a second chance to come back and showcase myself again,” she said. “I wanted people to see me for who I am as a player. I had a chip on my shoulder and had to prove myself.”

Before long, she was playing better than ever, securing a spot as a regular starter and establishing herself as a key player on the team. Just a year after her struggles, she was now shining in the league.

Being called up to the senior USWNT has been a long-held dream for Meza, and it happened sooner than she expected. She got to play in two games against Ireland and Canada during June and July.

“The women’s national team is your dream team, and you dream of being there one day,” she shared. “It was great to be called to camp.”

For Meza, this opportunity wasn’t solely about her personal achievement; it signified representation for Mexican-Americans and fulfilling a role model void she felt while growing up.

After her debut with the national team, she reflected in an Instagram post about how meaningful it was for her to be the first Mexican-American to wear a USWNT jersey.

“It’s hard to express this feeling in words,” Meza wrote. “As a Mexican-American, it felt surreal to step onto the field wearing this emblem. It was a moment the little girl in me dreamed of, even when I wasn’t sure there would be a space for someone like me.”

She continued, “Having the opportunity to express my Mexican heritage at a time like this is a constant reminder of where I come from. It affirms the importance of being noticed and the strength from knowing you belong. I look forward to growing through this journey.”

Growing up, Meza watched Liga MX with her family, yet there weren’t many female players to admire, especially among those of Latinx and Mexican descent.

“Even if women were playing, there was a very small percentage of Mexican or Latina women,” she said.

Now, she aims to be the representation she lacked as a child, hoping to inspire young girls to pursue their dreams, whether in soccer or any other field.

“Representation is really important,” she emphasized. “I think it helps a lot for little girls to see someone who looks like them achieving their aspirations.”

Meza has developed into a remarkable player in the past year, but her impact extends beyond the field. She proudly embodies her Mexican-American heritage and serves as an inspiration to young people everywhere.