Hometown Hero: Bella Bixby's storybook return
"Any time I would feel the nerves creeping in, I would think of my daughter. It's been a long 18 months, how amazing is it to end this game, we got the win, but I get to go home to my family."
The last time Bella Bixby appeared for the Portland Thorns was the 2023 NWSL regular season finale at Angel City FC on October 15, 2023.
After giving birth to Ruby in July, Bella Bixby has rediscovered her love for the game.
“Becoming a mom to our sweet Ruby built me back up in ways I never could have imagined,” said Bella Bixby. “Sharing my job with Ruby is something I’m so grateful for. I’ve rediscovered my love of the game, learned to love my new self and marvel at all my body can do for myself and my daughter.”
One thing that has never been in doubt has been Bixby’s work ethic, and her return to soccer postpartum would be a challenge that she would meet — and exceed.
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