USL Feature Series: Keep an Eye on This Girl
During the next few months USLsoccer.com will highlight the on-the-field stars of the W-League by getting to know their personalities off the field. Up next: Sarah Huffman of the Pali Blues. Huffman was a star at the University of Virginia, where she developed into one of the country’s best while playing in one of the toughest conferences in women’s college soccer. In 2002, she was named to the ACC All-Freshman team. She also earned All-American honors from the NSCAA and Soccer Buzz in addition to being named MVP by Soccer America in 2004 and 2005. Huffman has also played for the USA at every level including the full Women’s National Team. She was a member of the U-19 Youth National Team that won the World Championship in 2002, and won the annual Nordic Cup in 2004, 2005, and 2007 with the U-21 program.
On Sunday night, Huffman scored in Pali’s 2-0 season-opening victory against the LA Strikers.
Full name: Sarah Huffman
Club: Pali Blues
Head Coach: Charlie Naimo
Born: Danbury, CT
Nickname: Huffy
Position: Midfield
Inspired me the most: The whole U.S. Women’s National Team. When I was growing up, my youth coaches, Tracey Leone & Steve Swanson.
Playing strengths: Hard work
Needs a bit of work: Heading
Favorite player: My favorite team to watch is Barcelona.
Tell us about your coach: Charlie is passionate. He always puts a fun, competitive environment together. I love his style of soccer.
Biggest career highlight: U19 world champion & ACC college championship
Advice I would give to young girls following in my footsteps: Enjoy the process - both the successes and the struggles. The journey is worth it.
I’m stranded on a small island. Five things I’d want with me: My two dogs, sour patch kids, music, and Abby
Tunes I’m listening to: Florence + the machine. She rocked it out at Coachella this year.
Best movie seen recently: Hunger Games & Beginners
Retro item I wish would make a comeback: Haven’t they all come back?
Favorite movie: Too broad of a category, so many kinds of movies… but maybe Elf? Haha
Describe yourself in five words: Loving, competitive, happy, thankful, loyal
Finish this!
I can’t get enough of… traveling with friends.
I spend my money on… traveling, coffee, and shopping.
My fashion style is… comfortable and casual.
Technology and social media is… both good and bad.
Over time I’ve learned… to enjoy the simple pleasures of daily life.
Sometimes I need to…
chill out and relax.
Every day I try to… smile.
I’m thankful for… my supportive family and loving friends.
My biggest influence… my mom and dad.
I used to… lose my temper at little things outside of my control.
I always… start my day with a coffee.
I have a friend… I have more than just a friend. I have the best group of best friends anyone could ask for.
If I wasn’t playing soccer I’d be… opening a coffee shop café in Portland.
In five years I see myself… having a family and enjoying life post-professional soccer player.