The distance between Seattle, Washington, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, stretches a staggering 2,533 miles. Yet, for Sarah Schupansky, the journey from her hometown of Pittsburgh to her professional debut in Seattle was made a little bit shorter thanks to her mom. Her presence in the stands, cheering her on, offered a comforting reminder of home as Sarah took to the pitch for Gotham FC in the National Women’s Soccer League.
“It was a huge relief to have my mom there,” Schupansky shared with The Equalizer. “Knowing that she believed in me regardless of how I played eased the pressure a lot. It’s like having a safety blanket.” In the high-stakes world of professional sports, where every performance can feel like a make-or-break moment, such support can make all the difference.
As a 22-year-old rookie, Sarah was stepping into a dream—playing in front of fans at Lumen Field, a venue known for hosting major sporting events. The atmosphere was electric, and she played an impressive 89 minutes, earning a 7.3 rating on FotMob—the highest among her Gotham teammates for that match. Such accolades don’t just reflect her talent but also the hard work and determination that have brought her to this pivotal moment in her young career.
“I’ll always remember the night at Seattle,” she reminisced. “The field felt so grand, like something out of a movie. The lights were bright, and the vibe was vibrant, almost like I had stepped into the Netflix series ‘Quarterback.’ Even though the fans weren’t cheering for us, their enthusiasm for women’s sports was palpable, and it felt incredible to be part of that energy. It was a moment I’ll cherish forever.”
For many aspiring athletes, the journey to the professional stage can be filled with ups and downs. Balancing the pressures of performance with personal expectations can often feel overwhelming. Yet, Sarah’s experience highlights the importance of support systems—all while underlining the growing recognition and appreciation for women in sports.
Today, women’s soccer is evolving, gaining more visibility and respect, and young players like Sarah are at the forefront of this transformation. The presence of dedicated fans, family, and the growing popularity of leagues like the NWSL shows just how far the sport has come. By sharing her story, Sarah inspires others, proving that it’s possible to chase dreams, no matter the distance.
Image Source: Sarah Schupansky @ Instagram
