# Sam Cary (soccer)

Samantha Sophie Cary (born October 20, 2000) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a left back or center back for Damallsvenskan club IFK Norrköping. She played college soccer for the Iowa Hawkeyes before being drafted by Racing Louisville FC in the 2024 NWSL Draft.

## Early life

Cary is a native of St. Charles, Missouri. She began playing club soccer in second grade, starting off at a small club before joining St. Louis Scott Gallagher SC. Cary also ran track in middle school. She attended Francis Howell North High School, where she was a three-time all-state, all-region, and all-conference selection. She was a consistent team leader in goals and assists and helped lead the school to two district titles and one conference title.

## College career

Cary matriculated at the University of Iowa and majored in public health. She joined the Hawkeyes soccer program in 2019 after graduating from high school a semester early. She scored her first collegiate goal on September 13, 2019, netting a long-range strike in a 4–0 win over Northern Colorado. The next season, the Hawkeyes won the 2020 Big Ten title and advanced to the NCAA tournament, where the team recorded their first-ever NCAA victory with a win over Campbell in the first round. Cary provided the game-winning assist as the Hawkeyes triumphed by a 1–0 scoreline. The team was subsequently knocked out of the competition by UCLA.
In Cary's fifth year, the Hawkeyes secured another Big Ten title, marking Cary's second such honor with the team. Cary found individual success, winning the Defensive Player of the Tournament award and being named to the tournament first team. She was also named to the overall Big Ten second team and was recognized as a conference Player to Watch for the fourth consecutive season. Upon her departure from the program, Cary had recorded 97 goals and 5 assists in her career at Iowa.

## Club career

During the summer leading up to her junior year of college, Cary played for the Chicago Red Stars Reserves. Cary would again seek out other playing opportunities in her 2022 offseason, eventually signing for Racing Louisville FC's USL W League team. She played in 11 matches as Louisville finished third in the Great Lakes Division.
After completing her college career, Cary was drafted by the Racing Louisville FC NWSL team in the fourth round of the 2024 NWSL Draft. As the 48th overall pick, Cary became the first Hawkeye to ever be drafted into the National Women's Soccer League. She spent five weeks training with Racing Louisville and appeared in one preseason match. Ultimately, she departed from the club in March 2024 in search of development and playing time.

### IFK Norrköping

On March 1, 2024, Cary signed her first professional contract with Damallsvenskan club IFK Norrköping, inking a one-year deal. She quickly started logging minutes with the Swedish team, starting in 20 of the 28 games she appeared in (including preseason friendlies) during the first seven months of her tenure. She scored her first Damallsvenskan goal on May 5, 2024, helping Norrköping beat rivals Linköping. In August 2024, Cary signed a contract extension with Norrköping.

## Personal life

Cary is married to Trey Angel. The couple met on online dating app Tinder while at the University of Iowa and married in December 2023.

## Career statistics
### Club

    As of February 24, 2025
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition :
| Club | Season | League | League | League | Cup | Cup | Playoffs | Playoffs | Total | Total |
| Club | Season | Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| Racing Louisville FC | 2022 | USL W League | 11 | 0 | — | — | — | — | 11 | 0 |
| IFK Norrköping | 2024 | Damallsvenskan | 26 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 27 | 2 |
| Career total | Career total | Career total | 37 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 38 | 2 |
* ↑ Includes Svenska Cupen