Imagine this. You’re coming off a soccer season where you broke a single-season record in saves (94). You have a Goals Against Average of 1.04 after playing 19 games. Of those 19 games played, your team won 12 of them. Furthermore, you turned 21, and once the season and your classes conclude, you get the opportunity to represent your country in the 2019 Soccer World Cup. Not only do you represent your country in the WC, but your first opponent is the mighty United States. Some of the greatest players to ever play in soccer suited up for that team; stars like Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, and Tobin Heath, just to name a few. For Tiffany Sornpao, this wasn’t a dream, it was a reality. This reality made her journey to the World Cup and beyond a story worth telling.
The Early Days
Tiffany Sornpao was born May 22, 1998, in Duluth, GA. In her youth, she played soccer and karate as well. Although she loved doing both sports, because of conflicting schedules, Tiffany ultimately chose soccer as her main sport to play. Sornpao ventured out again, though, and tried playing volleyball during her freshman year at Duluth High School.
“I didn’t continue to play volleyball because I think I started it so late,” says Sornpao. “My first time playing volleyball was my freshman year of high school. Even though I did enjoy it a lot, my whole life was invested in soccer and didn’t really want to go out of my comfort zone.”
Tiffany was a four-year starter in soccer at Duluth High School and graduated in 2016. As graduation approached, Tiffany’s first choice wasn’t Kennesaw State.
“I actually really wanted to leave the state,” says Sornpao. “KSU wasn’t really one of my options to look at, but ultimately I was blessed to be here at Kennesaw with a good team.”
Time for College
As a KSU freshman, she didn’t play her first year on the team. This gave her a chance to sit back and observe, practice, train, and get ready for her moment, whenever that may be. Sornpao’s moment came in her second year when she started 14 times throughout that season. Tiffany’s breakout year was the very next year when she posted amazing stats; the team had double-digit wins and she started every game of that season.
“Two big things [to maintain health] are working out and eating right,” says Sornpao. “As hard as you train, you need to recover just as hard, having ice and Epsom salt baths, along with sleeping because they say your body recovers the most when you sleep.”
On to the World Cup
After the soccer season concluded in 2018, Tiffany’s dad, unbeknownst to her, submitted her to attend a tryout for Thailand’s World Cup team. At this time, she was in school and wondered if this was something she could handle. Ultimately, though, Sornpao attended the tryout. One week before the World Cup started, she got the notification that she made the roster.
“Being in the stadium was crazy,” says Sornpao. “I definitely love seeing the fans in that atmosphere of the Thai culture and how much love and respect they had for the team.”
The excitement of playing the US was evident by how the stadium was filled. As the 2019 season started, Sornpao’s confidence grew, knowing that she can play this game at a high level, competing against World Cup talent.
Sornpao decided to give one word to describe certain teammates and coaches. Here’s what she said:
Defender #6 Kelsey Hanh– Solid.
Midfielder #3 Becky Contreras- Animal.
Forward #22 Kendall Higgs- Fighter.
Forward #12 Erin Harris- Speed.
Head Coach Benji Walton- Dedicated.
Forward/Midfielder #4 Kendall Baker- Locked in.
Despite being an incredible soccer player, Sornpao has many other interests. She loves Thai food and Avatar is her favorite movie. She roots for the Atlanta United as well as the Denmark National team: she’s half Danish! Swedish Fish candy is her guilty pleasure. However, one of the most important things about Sornpao is that she is all about teamwork, bettering herself as a player and individual for the prosperity of the team. Every clinic attended, tournament participated in, game played in, and sacrifice made has led to Tiffany’s journey to the World Cup and beyond. From this point on, the beyond is only going to get better.
Does Sornpao’s story inspire you to become a healthier version of yourself? If so, check out our article, Getting Fit Has Never Been Easier, for tips on how to make your dreams a reality.
Photos courtesy of Kennesaw State Athletics.