An Interview with Sarah Evans - U.S. Women’s Amputee Soccer Athlete

Recently, the first ever U.S. Women’s Amputee Soccer team competed in Poland. We had a brief discussion with athlete, Sarah Evans, to learn more about the experience and what it meant to her and her teammates.

(B) How was the team formed? What competition plans does the team have for the future?

(S) The team was formed by the U.S. Amputee Soccer Association after years of hoping to create and grow the women’s game. Prior to this, the sport did not have a gender requirement and women and men both played on the same teams. But as the sport has grown world wide - with women’s teams being developed in other countries across the world (Poland, Ghana, Haiti, Cameroon, Rwanda), AASA set out to recruit a team of women to represent the U.S.A. The first development camp was held in California in May, 2023 where the first four women participated. Two months later, two more women joined at an identification camp held in New Jersey. And then our two final members took a giant leap of faith and joined us directly in Poland having never met or played with the team. With their bravery and participation we were able to form a full team with one sub. Since then, we’ve had a spike in interest with women reaching out.

The coaches will be holding an interest meeting, via Zoom, in the near future for any women interested in learning more about the sport.

(B) What did the experience in Poland mean to you?

(S) The match in Poland was a huge success. Both teams are recently formed, and this was the first ever international match for women in the sport. The polish women were an amazing host and it was incredibly special to share this moment with them on the pitch. Our women all have different stories and have different backgrounds, but to come together as a unit with a common goal, and make history together is something that will stick with me for the rest of my life. We were truly honored to represent our country. We also learned so much about the sport now that we’ve played a match; the team dynamics and the play of the game. We left feeling motivated to put in the work. We left knowing just how much potential we have to become a true power house given more time and practice.

(B) Why is representation in sport important?

(S) Representation in sport is so important as it shows the world the possibilities. When I tell someone I play soccer, at the international level, they take a look at me and follow up with a ton of questions. It inspires people to think outside the box and rethink limitations. It motivated people to get involved. My goal in all of this is to show the next generation of disabled girls what they’re capable of and encourage them to be brave and try new things.