Sam
Samantha Martel Johnson is an American professional soccer player. She recently finished her stint with Melbourne City Football Club in Melbourne, Australia. She previously played six seasons in the National Women's Soccer League for Chicago Red Stars and Utah Royals FC. She has international experience in the W league for clubs Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC, and Melbourne City.
Samantha was born and raised in Palmdale, CA, and attended the University of Southern California on a full athletic scholarship. She earned a B.A., graduating in 2013. She holds the record for the fastest goal ever scored: 14 seconds. Samantha represented the United States at the U-15, U-16, U-17, and U-18 levels. In 2008, Johnson was named to the United States roster for the 2008 CONCACAF Women's U-17 Championship, where the U.S won the championship for the first time. She was named to the roster for the 2008 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, where the United States finished second after losing in extra time to North Korea in the championship game.
Off the pitch, Samantha is a youth advocate. She trademarked her mentorship program in 2019 and started her own business. BETTER® is a brand that symbolizes a positive narrative for everyone, especially the next generation. To ‘be better’ is to commit to the process of being relentless in your efforts to set high standards and account for yourself constantly. Samantha believes in the power of a positive narrative and using education as a vehicle to establish a solid foundation for success. She has begun to develop the BETTER® Academy where her elite staff will provide behaviorally rehabilitative programs and instructional assistance in the academic obligations of all students. Her hope is to enhance a culture by establishing the ‘be better’ mindset to those around her, one wristband at a time.