BECKY SAUERBRUNN on her decision to retire, her most memorable USWNT moments, and what's next

There's only one Becky Sauerbrunn. The USWNT legend tells Sammy why this was her final season playing professional soccer and talks about her legacy and how she hopes she'll be remembered. Plus, the two revisit some of their favorite memories playing for club and country.

00:00 - "It was such a good year"
04:11 - "Sad but not heartbroken"
09:23 - Becky's earliest soccer memories
15:28 - Becky at the University of Virginia
19:04 - Becky's first USWNT call-up and cap
27:09 - Zola
30:00 - 2012 Olympics gold medal
37:15 - 2015 World Cup gold medal
44:41 - 2016 Olympics loss
50:36 - 2019 World Cup win
54:12 - Battle for Equal Pay
59:04 - Becky's thoughts on the Yates report
1:02:18 - How Becky hopes to be remembered
1:03:30 - Becky's message to Thorns fans

#uswnt #portlandthorns #nwsl

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[RachelGettler]

I literally gasped (and cried) when I saw this. Such an honor to have watched Becky play. Also love Becky on the podcast and think she would also make a great in-game commentator.

[ChrisK]

Absolute legend. Class on and off the pitch. Hope Becky stays involved via this podcast and/or otherwise.

[Whatever_Clever]

Sammy -- We totally need a Reba Saverbrunn limited edition jersey on sale in the merch store asap. On a more serious note, Sammy you are unlike any of the other podcasters in your space. You respect your interviewee and listeners so much b/c you put effort in preparing. You don't just ask basic run of the mill questions, you keep the interview moving while also giving your guest space and time to share their experience, you keep humor at the ready while not straying away from complicated or more intimate discussions. I always come away having learned something important You are a fab footballer, an even better podcaster, and an ever better friend. I am so glad that Becky shared this info with us all via this podcast. She is a top notch footballer and a first class human being. Love her. Love you. LFG.

[lindseyduran]

The way she so quietly stepped out the back door to let Sinc receive all the roses. 🥹
My heart can’t take this.
So much love for you, captain ❤

[madelinezerse]

The players captain. One of the best to ever do it, Becky you are a legend. Thank you.

[DianeChase-kd]

Two amazing women; well educated, articulate, intelligent, thoughtful, passionate, classy and kind. Such a loss to the USWNT and soccer worldwide. Thank you both for what you have brought this game, a tribute to who you both are.

[shortboard]

Love, love, love….Becky! One of the most intelligent, thoughtful, gritty players to ever wear the shield. I can listen to her talk all day. I hope she continues to guide the women’s game

[michelleweinberg]

Saw her announcement and RAN here immediately. Thank you, Becky! A true icon. ❤️

[ginporte]

My heart just dropped when I saw the notification ...sad for us but happy for her! ❤❤❤

[vayoha]

BECKY is on my list of the top 10 USWNT players of all time. Thanks for a great game you gave us. Happy Retirement Becky. I hope Sam will make you a podcast partner

[carez]

Words cannot describe the impact Becky has had on the game. Truly grateful that I was able to get the chance to watch her play multiple times and be in the stands for what was now her final game. So many memorable moments included Becky on the pitch and how lucky are we to have been fortunate enough to watch a tremendous career unfold. Thank you for sharing your career, stories, and journey with us ❤ The game won’t be the same without you and we’ll support you in your journey going forward ❤️

[ryanwatkins]

Congratulations Becky Sauerbrunn! I had so much fun watching you play over the many, many years you were our rock. Enjoy your new life!

[annflores]

The game will never be the same without you, but it will never be the same because of you. You did your thing and left it all on the field. It was an honor to watch you play! Can't wait to see what you do next (other than good vibes of course) Congratulations!!!!

[thseusrex]

Sam, thank you for giving Becky and us this moment together. It’s not so much the platform that you gave her, because Becky is no stranger 'round these parts. But the incredible skill and sensitivity with which you took us through her story and set her up to shine as the great speaker and human that she is, that shouldn’t be taken for granted. She IS a legend, and your legend as a content creator is growing by the day. I hope you take this in the spirit that I mean it, because the sport and the nation would be better off if your knee had cooperated, but you’ve really found a second calling, and the sky is the limit.

Here's a picture of you two that I took at the 2019 World Cup:🐐⚽🐐

[nschultz]

Caption, oh captain, enjoy your retirement. This is a big loss for soccer but you deserve to experience life beyond it. Very proud to have seen you play and succeed. Cheers to you!!!

[tjeanav]

WOW! Advising an introvert to be a leader is valuable advice. They should write a book on that.

[RottenlyMoodyChild]

A true legend of the game. Will always be a role model for people, on and off the field. The impact you made and the legacy you have left will live on and impact others for generations to come.

Wishing you all the best for your future, Becky. Enjoy your retirement. There are many books that are about to get the heck read out of them.

A beautiful way to end your career in your own way, on your own terms ❤🌹

[contactful]

Congratulations on an incredible career and THANK YOU, BECKY. Truly forever our captain. We’re so lucky to have had you on the USWNT all these years, not only killing it on the field, but being the very best role model and leader for the younger players. I’m so glad you guys have Good Vibes to share in your post-soccer retirement. This show is a gift to us listeners/watchers and I hope it serves as a gift to you both too. ❤🙏🏼⚽️
P.S. Why you guys always gotta be making me cry first thing in the morning?! 🥹😩😭

[j_yeld]

Thank you Becky! I have watched the women's game for decades and you are my favorite player ever. Wishing you a happy retirement! Good luck in the next step!

[jamesssham]

sam has become so excellent at interviewing