Portland Thorns’ star Sophia Smith tapped as Gatorade partner

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — Portland Thorns’ star Sophia Smith has joined the ranks of athletes who are endorsed by Gatorade.

Gatorade unveiled the 23-year-old soccer forward as a brand partner on Thursday morning. The company has a long history of endorsing sports stars such as Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark, Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum and former Portland Trail Blazer Damian Lillard.

In a statement, Smith said the announcement is a “full-circle moment” for her.

“I grew up in a sports family and Gatorade has always been our go-to during games and at home practicing soccer drills in the backyard,” Smith stated. “I remember watching all the iconic commercials with the legends and couldn’t have imagined that years later, I would be an official Gatorade athlete.”

The partnership was revealed just ahead of the Paris Olympic Games. For the first time, Smith — and fellow Thorns player Sam Coffey — will represent the nation in the major tournament as part of the U.S. Women’s National Team.

Smith has prior experience on the USWNT and has become the highest-paid player in the National Women’s Soccer League.

According to Gatorade Head of Sports Marketing Jeff Kearney, the brand is highly anticipating partnering with the prized player this summer and beyond.

“Sophia is the exact type of athlete we look to bring into the Gatorade Family – a standout with a passion for growing the game and the ambition to be the best in her sport,” Kearney said in a statement.

Smith will make her Olympic debut on Friday, July 25.

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