By Jinseong Kim
AFC Ann Arbor is delighted to confirm that Sofia Sweier will return home for the 2022 USL W League season. Sweier was part of AFCAA’s inaugural women’s team along with Emily Eitzman, Jenna Smith, and Bella Petrock, who also have confirmed their return to the Mighty Oak earlier.
In 2019, Sweier was a vital addition to the side, minding the team’s goal with Victoria Norris. Sweier made notable performances whenever she stood between posts. A match to note is the Michigan Milk Cup quarterfinals against North Oakland, when Sweier came in as a substitute and aided in keeping The Mighty Oak women’s largest-ever victory, with a 6-1 final scoreline.
“It feels awesome, I am so ready to play soccer again,” Sweier said, on her return to AFCAA. Recalling her inaugural season experience, Sweier admitted it was a tough year where she could learn new lessons. “Our first year was kind of rough; we had a lot of new faces and many girls had never played with each other before. It was tough to learn each other’s playing style while playing against good teams in our league.”
Nevertheless, Sweier thought the inaugural year would serve as soil for the fruitful season that would follow. “I would say our first year together as a club definitely became the base for this year's up and coming team. There are higher expectations for the players than there were a couple years ago and there’s also a lot more competition for playing time/starting positions.”
Sweier is a well-known name in Saline, AFCAA’s home for the 2022 season. The new home, Hornet Stadium, is a familiar venue for her as a former Saline Hornets outfit. She was selected as the MLive Ann Arbor News Soccer Player of the Year in 2014, and led the team to the Division I Championship as a first choice goalie. Sweier has many positive memories at the stadium, including an incredible unbeaten run by the Hornets, and is ready to call it home again.
“There’s definitely a lot of pressure to perform better when you’re representing your home town, but I think I got all the jitters out during our first season. But to be able to support and represent my home town means the world to me. It’s a great feeling and an honor when you get to show off your hometown when you represent them with the sport you love.”
Goalkeeper is a very competitive position as only one player can get on the field. Sweier was not an exception, but she enjoyed the pressure coming out of the intensity. “As a player I would describe myself as shy, but a huge competitor at the same time. I tend to not give myself much credit for a lot of things but I always push myself to be the best I can for my team.”
Women’s Head Coach Boyzzz Khumalo demanded a leader role from Sweier and is excited to reunite with her again. “Looking at her, I think she’s somebody that brings experience to the team both on and off the field, so I’m looking forward to working with her. Hopefully she leads our field and young players learn from her, mostly [our] goalkeepers.”
“As a person I would say I’m more so on the quiet side. I tend to keep to myself, but put me with a group of friends in a social situation and I’m the complete opposite. I love to be outgoing and make memories along the way,” she would continue, on describing her personality.
In discussing season goals, Sweier would say, “My goal for the season is to become a better soccer player. I know that sounds super cliche, and it is, but it’s true. Becoming a better soccer player means working hard, improving yourself day by day, pushing yourself to be the best out there. And all along the way helping your team become stronger. I think my ultimate goal for the season is to go out with a bang! I would love to win the league title and possibly a national title, of course that would be the cherry on top.”
We welcome Sofia back home and the entire team is looking forward to a positive summer season with her.
About AFC Ann Arbor
Association Football Club Ann Arbor (AFC Ann Arbor) was founded in 2014 and competes in USL2 (men’s) and USLW (women’s) national amateur leagues. We are a community-based club, focused on equity, justice, and anti-racism. We consider all of our stakeholders, including supporters, players, staff, and ownership to be part of the #AFCAAFamily. Come On You Mighty Oak!