The Resurgence and Resilience of Kristie Mewis

The Mewis sisters’ soccer bond has captured hearts all across the country. Sam Mewis has far more notoriety now, but once upon a time, it was Kristie Mewis who was highly-touted. While their paths to greatness were different, Kristie’s ability to persevere through tough times is what makes her story inspiring. The Houston Dash star turned her career around; this is her climb back to the top. 

Kristie Mewis was a top pick (No.3 overall) coming out of college, and her future seemed bright for both club and country. The former Boston College product made 86 appearances in the NWSL, with 51 of them for the Boston Breakers until signing with Houston. Mewis said in a previous presser that she allowed herself to settle for second-best. 

"I was OK with being average"

Kristie Mewis was very open about her career stagnation and what it took to get back to the #USWNT https://t.co/seR8PWXTRg

— Seth Vertelney (@svertelney) October 29, 2020

The striker suffered a devastating ACL tear in 2018, putting her entire career in doubt. Houston chose to stick with her, and the investment paid off in 2019 as Mewis found her mojo again. The resurgence was on for Mewis, who looked deep within herself to discover she still had plenty left to give. 

We cannot overstate the physical and mental rehab work it takes to return from ACL injuries. Any athlete would, at some point, doubt their knee will be the same ever again. Yet, Mewis pushed on and refused to let her story and career end there. 

The Houston Dash (and Mewis) won the 2020 Challenge Cup in style. Her performances were more than enough to catch the attention of Vlatko Andonovski. The USWNT head coach called her into camp, and Mewis ended up doing something few players ever have. 

Kristie Mewis, the epitome of perseverance:

– 3rd pick in the inaugural NWSL draft
– Traded 5 times (including twice in 1 week)
– Dropped from national team
– Torn ACL in 2018
– 2020 Challenge Cup winner
– Fall Series assist leader
– Scores today, 2,722 days between USWNT goals pic.twitter.com/nBKuZjqSLq

— Torie Peterson (@ToriePeterson) November 27, 2020

Mewis scored goals for the USWNT 2,722 days, almost seven-and-a-half years, apart. Usually, when you fall out of rotation with the national team, it can be tough to break back in if you’re not a superstar. Well, Kristie Mewis decided she was willing to do whatever it takes to return to the top of her game and then did it. It’s easy to get behind a person who sets a goal or dream and does everything in their power to make it happen. Mewis refused to give up, and look where it got her, back in the spotlight, which she so thoroughly deserves. 

Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images

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