By OkayGoal 
Dreams really do come true. Sam Cary has been with Girls Soccer Network since she was at the University of Iowa. However, her dream of playing for the Chicago Stars has been ongoing since she was four. With close family in Illinois, Sam spent a lot of time around SeatGeek Stadium, previously known as Toyota Park. Days spent with grandparents, with hopes and dreams of putting on a Chicago jersey one day. Now, it’s a reality.
The Stars signed Cary to a two-year deal through 2027 with a mutual option for 2028. Sam had an incredible season at IKF Norrköping, making 11 appearances and scoring a game-time goal as her only goal of the season. IKF Norrköping finished fifth in the table of the Damallsvenskan with her help at left back.
Not only is Sam an excellent addition for the Stars on the pitch, but she is just as great off the pitch with the work she’s been doing for GSN. Along with our CEO, Jen, she helped start the Soccerista United mentorship program, which has been running strong for multiple years. Cary started the BIG LIFE Podcast with former Michigan State star Jordyn Wickes, and she wrote her own book, “The Dos and Don’ts of College Soccer.“
Recently, she joined me as a co-host on my podcast. And, as soon as we heard about her move to Chicago, we knew we had to ask her about what the experience has been like for her.
When asked about the differences between her first experience with Racing Louisville, where she was drafted, versus signing with the Chicago Stars, here’s what she had to say: “I don’t think about it that way, I’m living a life I never thought I’d live, every day I gotta wake up and earn this and I’m going to keep earning this view and feeling. Frankly, the biggest difference is that every time I got on the ball at Louisville, I was ridden with anxiety. Oftentimes in drills, I would find myself hiding. To be on the other end of that and have a contract is a blessing. I feel like I can play better and be more open to learning and growing with an actual salary.”
I also asked her about what her favorite thing or moment has been since joining the team: “There’s been a few, day one, I go and grab my breakfast and then I sit down at the table with Sam Staab and Alyssa Naeher and I’m texting my mom, how do I process that this is even happening right now, how do I even start a conversation!?”
We had a fantastic conversation with even more great quotes like that one. If you’re looking to hear the full interview, be sure to check out Episode 81 of Give N’ Go on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
The NWSL returns to action August 1st, and we cannot wait to see our girl Sam Cary Angel with the Stars. If you’ve been following along on her journey, like we have, then you’re going to need to start watching more Chicago Stars games and keep an eye out for Sam Cary Angel when she gets those first NWSL minutes.
Featured image via @thechicagostars on Instagram
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