As the 2025 NWSL season intensifies, the league continues to showcase remarkable talent and compelling narratives. Teams are vying for dominance, with standout performances shaping the early stages of the season. In this dynamic landscape, Chicago Stars FC center back and VIS Mentor Sam Staab stands out—not only for her on-field prowess, but also for her unwavering commitment to the sport. We had the privilege of connecting with Staab to delve into her journey and what the future holds.
Tough Luck
The Chicago Stars faced the San Diego Wave on Saturday, April 26, at home in a challenging matchup during the regular season.
While the scoreline favored San Diego, the night was more about the long game than one match. For players like Staab, whose career has been defined by resilience and bounce-back performances, moments like these are just stepping stones.
Staab has never avoided setbacks. She consistently shows up, stays ready, and pushes forward every single time. Given her track record of consistent excellence, fans can expect her signature resilience and leadership to shine through as the season unfolds.
A Return Rooted in Strength
This season marks Staab’s inspiring return to the field after an achilles injury that kept her sidelined for 233 days. "Stepping back on the field was amazing. It was the culmination of so many months and milestones all into one moment," Staab reflects. "Being back on the field with my teammates, just playing soccer again, was such a great feeling."
Staab’s return to play carried not only its physical challenges, but mental ones, too. “I felt more nervous than I have in a lot of years, just the nature of playing here again,” she admits. “It was about finding my groove and letting everything else click from there. It’s still a process, and I’m still in that process.”
Staab emphasizes how maintaining a positive mindset was key during her rehab process. "I told myself that if being positive helped shave a week or even just a day off this recovery time, then being as positive as possible would’ve been worth it—and I tried to stick to that motto as much as possible."
Stabb wouldn’t have made it through her recovery process without a strong support system. She encourages us to lean on our teammates, family, and staff during these times. “I had an amazing support system. If anything, they made recovery so much better and tolerable than it ever could have been,” Staab says.
“I told myself that if being positive helped shave a week or even just a day off this recovery time, then being as positive as possible would’ve been worth it—and I tried to stick to that motto as much as possible.”
Foundation of Consistency
Staab’s NWSL Iron Woman status—the league record for most consecutive regular-season starts—didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of a daily commitment to preparation and recovery. "I’ve always really been into recovery. Normatec, massage, red light, cryo, ice baths, everything. I’ve tried almost everything and learned what my body needs or likes either pre or post game," she says.
Staab also credits work-life balance as crucial to maintaining her passion and energy for the sport. "Having hobbies outside of sport like reading, going for walks, going out to restaurants, seeing friends and family during free time has kept me going," she adds.
Most Underrated Skill
If there’s one quality that Staab believes is fundamental to success, it’s the ability to stay ready at any moment—physically, mentally, and emotionally. . "I think being consistent and being consistently available are such underrated skills in sports and particularly professional sports," she shares. "Prior to my injury, I think my best skill was just being available."
Staab reminds us that no matter what, it's always important to show up. "Stay ready. Learn from every moment, good or bad. Growing up my coaches always focused on being able to use both feet well, and attacking the mental side of the game from a young age to be able to move on past mistakes and setbacks more quickly," Staab says.
