Savannah DeMelo: The USWNT’s Rising Star Making a Significant Impact at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup has captivated audiences worldwide, and for the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), the journey has been a testament to resilience and team spirit. After navigating a challenging group stage, the USWNT successfully advanced to the coveted Round of 16. This progression, secured after a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Portugal on August 1st, showcased the team’s determination, even as they finished second in Group E following the Netherlands’ dominant 7-0 victory over Vietnam. Among the key players contributing to this advancement is an exciting new talent: midfielder Savannah DeMelo.
DeMelo’s inclusion in the squad marked her first senior-level appearance for the United States at a major international tournament, making her a crucial component of the team’s fresh talent pool. Her impressive performances have quickly cemented her status as one of the breakout stars of the tournament, drawing significant attention from fans and pundits alike. As the USWNT prepares to face a formidable opponent in Sweden in the knockout stage, all eyes are on players like DeMelo to deliver pivotal moments.
At just 25 years old, Savannah DeMelo stands on the precipice of etching her name into soccer history. Reflecting on the team’s performance, particularly after their 1-1 draw against the Netherlands on July 29th, DeMelo shared her perspective on the team’s cohesion and ambition. “I think the team is in a very good spot,” she stated, highlighting the strong bond within the squad. “I think we are a very close team, so we really lean on each other, and we’re going to be honest with each other. I don’t think we were very happy with our last performance, and we’re OK with that — I think we’re just an honest group, but we’re very hopeful, and we know we’re going to get the job done.” This candid assessment reflects the high standards and collective drive that define the USWNT, attributes that DeMelo herself embodies.
The road ahead for Team USA is indeed challenging. Their next opponent, Sweden, previously handed the US Women’s Team a decisive 3-0 defeat in the group stage of the Tokyo Olympics, a result that still resonates. This highly anticipated rematch, scheduled for August 6th, sets the stage for a compelling showdown. Before this crucial match, let’s delve deeper into the career and life of Savannah DeMelo, understanding what makes her such a promising addition to the national team.
What Position Does Savannah DeMelo Play? Unpacking Her Role as an Attacking Midfielder
Savannah DeMelo primarily operates as an attacking midfielder, a crucial position that demands both creative vision and defensive discipline. In this role, she is tasked with linking play between the defense and attack, initiating scoring opportunities, and contributing to pressing efforts. As of 2023, DeMelo proudly represents Racing Louisville FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), where her dynamic playmaking abilities have consistently shone through.
Her journey to the national team roster for the 2023 World Cup is particularly noteworthy, as she was one of 14 first-time World Cup participants. This statistic underscores the significant generational shift within the USWNT and the trust placed in emerging talents like DeMelo. According to Yahoo Sports, DeMelo’s path to the national team was not straightforward; she had previously attempted to break into the squad on two separate occasions, but the highly competitive nature of the U.S. midfield meant she couldn’t secure a spot.
These earlier setbacks only fueled her determination. Recalling her conversations with coach Vlatko Andonovski, DeMelo expressed the immense difficulty of making the team. “It was, if it happened, I was super grateful for it, and I was just working hard to get there,” she told Yahoo Sports. “But when he called me, it was surreal. Shocked. I was grateful. Excited. But I was ready to get to work.” Her reaction speaks volumes about her humility, relentless work ethic, and profound appreciation for the opportunity to represent her country at the highest level of international soccer.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by U.S. Soccer WNT (@uswnt)
From Gymnastics to Global Soccer: Savannah DeMelo’s Unique Athletic Path
Savannah DeMelo’s early athletic pursuits hint at a diverse talent pool. Interestingly, soccer wasn’t her initial passion. For the first eight years of her life, DeMelo was a dedicated gymnast, meticulously training on apparatus like the balance beam and uneven bars. This background likely contributed to her exceptional balance, agility, and body control, attributes that are highly valuable on the soccer pitch.
It wasn’t until the relatively late age of nine that DeMelo began to seriously pursue soccer. While many elite players start much earlier, her transition proved seamless. She also dabbled in volleyball and basketball for recreational enjoyment, but it was the inherent team aspect of soccer that truly resonated with her. The collaborative spirit, the shared objectives, and the reliance on teammates provided a fulfillment that solo sports couldn’t quite match, ultimately drawing her fully into the beautiful game.
Savannah DeMelo’s Portuguese Roots and Dual Citizenship
One fascinating aspect of Savannah DeMelo’s background is her rich Portuguese heritage. This cultural connection became particularly relevant when the USWNT faced off against Portugal in the group stage of the 2023 World Cup. For the American squad, DeMelo represented a unique strategic asset, especially given her proficiency in Portuguese. Her father, Robert DeMelo, hails from Portugal and enjoyed a successful career playing professional soccer in his home country before transitioning into coaching.
Ahead of the match against Portugal, Savannah humorously remarked to the Associated Press, “I’ll definitely be listening for it,” referring to any Portuguese spoken on the field. Her dual citizenship meant she had the legitimate option to represent Portugal on the international stage. However, when faced with this choice, her heart unequivocally sided with the United States. “It could have been an option,” she confided to the AP, “But, I think my heart was always with the United States.” This decision underscores her deep connection to her American identity and her commitment to the USWNT cause, even with a strong family link to another proud soccer nation.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Savannah DeMelo (@savdemelo)
The Guiding Hand: How Her Father Fostered a Love for Soccer
Savannah DeMelo’s parents, particularly her father, played a crucial role in her development as a soccer player, not by pressuring her, but by allowing her to discover her passion naturally. Both her father and mother understood that undue external pressure could have the opposite effect, potentially pushing her away from the sport. Instead, they fostered an environment where Savannah could gravitate towards soccer on her own terms.
One significant motivating factor, beyond the inherent joy of team sports, was the shared experience of watching Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo play. For the DeMelo family, Ronaldo was more than just an athlete; he was an idol. “He’s like a god at our house,” Savannah revealed to Yahoo Sports, illustrating the profound influence Ronaldo’s artistry and dedication had on her burgeoning love for the game. This inspiration, combined with her father’s background, provided a strong foundation for her career.
Even today, her father remains an influential figure and continues to coach at Beach FC, where he shares his extensive knowledge and experience. Savannah speaks highly of his unique ability to balance the roles of father and coach. “It’s sometimes hard to have a relationship with your dad, and he has to be a coach at the same time, but I think he perfected that,” she told Yahoo. Her father was her very first coach, and through his guidance, he instilled in her not just the technical skills of a soccer player, but a comprehensive understanding of the lifestyle required for professional sports. “It’s not just about going to practice Monday, Wednesday. It’s about what you’re doing on the weekends, how you’re taking care of your body, and the extra stuff you’re doing,” she explained, highlighting the holistic approach her father championed, which undoubtedly shaped her disciplined and dedicated mindset.
Overcoming Adversity: Savannah DeMelo’s College Career and Inspiring Comeback
Savannah DeMelo’s collegiate career at the University of Southern California (USC) was marked by both impressive achievements and significant challenges. Playing for the USC Trojans, she made a substantial impact, featuring in 75 games where she consistently showcased her midfield prowess. During her tenure, she recorded an admirable 17 goals and contributed 28 assists, statistics that underscore her offensive capabilities and playmaking vision.
However, her junior season was tragically cut short by a devastating injury: a torn Achilles tendon. This type of injury is notoriously difficult for athletes, often leading to prolonged recovery periods and, in many cases, prematurely ending careers. At the time, DeMelo herself believed her soccer journey might be over. The physical pain was immense, but the mental and emotional toll was equally challenging, forcing her to confront the potential loss of a sport she loved.
Despite the grim outlook, Savannah approached her rehabilitation with extraordinary determination and resilience. Her journey through rehab was arduous, demanding countless hours of physical therapy and unwavering commitment. Slowly but surely, she regained her strength and confidence, defying expectations and eventually making a triumphant return to the field. This experience not only tested her physical limits but also fortified her mental fortitude, proving her ability to overcome significant adversity.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Savannah DeMelo (@savdemelo)
Reflecting on her recovery, DeMelo noted how the injury ultimately fueled her ambition. “I think it just kept me super hungry to come back and not just come back the player I was, but even better,” she affirmed. Her self-belief and diligent effort paid off. “I’m super proud of myself because I think I did do that, and I wouldn’t really have believed it if you told me that back then that I would be better than before I got injured.” This profound experience also gifted her with a renewed perspective and appreciation for the sport. “And I think I have more of an appreciation for the game because it was taken away from me for so long,” she concluded, highlighting how adversity often provides the clearest lens through which to value one’s passions.