Kickin' It with Sam Hiatt
Get to know the newest Portland Thorn with a fun Q & A!
Sam Hiatt is from Kirkland, Washington and is heading back to the PNW — but this time with the Rose City.
In the 2020 NWSL Draft, Hiatt was selected in the fourth round and 33rd overall from Stanford University by her hometown club, OL Reign. After four seasons, she was traded to NJ/NY Gotham FC for the 2024 season. As a free agent, she chose to come back to the west coast.
The Portland Thorns acquired one of the best defenders available in free agency. One of the most pressing needs this offseason was indeed, center back.
She is dominant in the air: 16th in aerial duels percentage. The team’s struggles in the box, on the counter counter, and in transition will be helped mightily. Hiatt joins Isa Obaze, Mallie McKenzie, and newly signed Daiane in the centerback position - Kelli Hubly is a free agent. Becky Sauerbrunn just announced her retirement yesterday.
However, we’re not here to talk about soccer: we’re here for our next edition of Kickin’ It. I had the chance to speak with Sam Hiatt at the 2023 NWSL Championship media day (Seattle Reign vs NJ/NY Gotham FC). She shares her dream vacation, entrance song, and how playing as herself in FIFA (as a forward) turned out.
Kickin’ It with Sam Hiatt
Phuoc/Stumptown Footy: What is your dream vacation?
Sam Hiatt: I’ve always really wanted to go to the Philippines. Also, I’ve always wanted to go to Greece in the summer.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Stumptown Footy to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.