Biography:
Samantha May Kerr OAM, born on September 10, 1993, is an Australian professional soccer player who has made an indelible mark on the sport. Widely regarded as one of the best forwards of all time in women’s soccer, Kerr has consistently performed at the highest level and achieved remarkable success throughout her career.
Kerr began her soccer journey at the age of 15 when she joined Perth Glory in 2008. She honed her skills and developed into a formidable player during her four-year tenure with the club. In 2012, she moved to Sydney FC, further showcasing her talent and securing her place as one of Australia’s most promising young players.
In 2013, Kerr embarked on a new chapter in her career by joining the Western New York Flash for the inaugural season of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States. This move proved to be a pivotal moment for Kerr, as she not only excelled individually but also played a vital role in leading the team to win the NWSL Shield. Her exceptional performances caught the attention of fans and critics alike, solidifying her reputation as an exceptional talent.
Continuing her journey in the NWSL, Kerr went on to play for Sky Blue FC and the Chicago Red Stars. She consistently achieved remarkable feats on the field and made history as the all-time leading scorer in the league. Kerr’s prowess as a goal-scorer and her ability to make an impact in each game quickly established her as a force to be reckoned with in women’s soccer.
In 2019, Kerr set her sights on Europe and caught the attention of numerous top-tier clubs. Despite receiving offers from prestigious teams like Olympique Lyonnais, Kerr ultimately signed with Chelsea, marking a significant milestone in her career. Since joining the FA Women’s Super League club, Kerr has continued to push boundaries, securing eight trophies, including three consecutive Women’s Super League titles.
Kerr’s influence extends beyond her club career. As the captain of the Australia women’s national team, also known as the Matildas, since 2019, she has been a pillar of leadership and inspiration for her teammates. She has represented Australia in major international tournaments such as the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Notably, during the 2019 World Cup, Kerr became the first Australian player to score a hat trick at a World Cup tournament, further cementing her status as a national hero.
Off the field, Kerr’s contributions to the sport have been widely acknowledged. In 2018, she was named the Young Australian of the Year, an accolade that recognized her outstanding talent and the positive impact she has had on the sport. Additionally, in the 2022 Australia Day Honours, Kerr was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her services to football. She joined an illustrious group as only the second Australian female footballer to receive such recognition, following in the footsteps of the inaugural Matildas’ captain, Julie Dolan.
Kerr’s dedication, perseverance, and immense talent have made her a role model for aspiring soccer players, especially young girls. Throughout her career, she has shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations of female athletes. By consistently performing at the highest level and achieving remarkable success, Kerr has become a trailblazer in women’s soccer and continues to leave an indelible mark on the sport.
Awards:
– All-time leading Australian international scorer
– All-time leading scorer in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
– Winner of the Golden Boot in the W-League, NWSL, and FAWSL
– Eight trophies with Chelsea, including three consecutive Women’s Super League titles
– Young Australian of the Year (2018)
– Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) (2022)
– Recipient of the Julie Dolan Medal
– Five-time recipient of the PFA Australian Women’s Footballer of the Year award.