Direct Answer: Who Abby Wambach Is Married To
Abby Wambach is married to Sarah Huffman. They are a high-profile same-sex couple who met while both were professional soccer players in the United States. Their relationship became public in the early 2010s, they married in 2013, and they have built a shared public profile around sports, parenting, and advocacy. This article explains their relationship timeline, family building, public roles, and how they have been covered in reliable sources.
Abby Wambach: Context and Background
Abby Wambach is a retired U.S. soccer forward and one of the most decorated players in American soccer history. She played collegiately at the University of Florida, won an Olympic gold medal at the 2004 Athens Games, and helped the U.S. women’s national team secure World Cup championships in 2010 and 2015. She holds the record for most international goals scored by an American, male or female. Known for her leadership, finishing ability, and candid public voice, Wambach has remained prominent in soccer media and advocacy after retirement in 2015.
Sarah Huffman: Identity and Soccer Career
Sarah Huffman is a former professional soccer player who competed primarily as a defender or midfielder. She played collegiately at the University of Portland and later played in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) for the Western New York Flash and Portland Thorns FC. Huffman won NWSL championships with both teams (2011 with the Flash, 2013 and 2017 with the Thorns). She retired from professional soccer in 2019 and has since worked in soccer operations and media roles.
Relationship Timeline at a Glance
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2010–2012 | Relationship begins, becomes public | Both were active NWSL players; their high-profile relationship brought visibility to LGBTQ+ athletes in soccer. |
| July 2013 | Marriage in Hawaii | Marriage came after the U.S. Supreme Court's DOMA ruling discussions; they married in a ceremony in Hawaii, which legalized same-sex marriage that year. |
| 2015 | Wambach retires from international soccer | Transition to post-career life as a couple and later as parents. |
| 2016 | First child born (via surrogacy) | They became parents to a son, marking an important milestone as one of the first prominent same-sex couples in U.S. soccer to have children. |
| 2017 | Second child born (via surrogacy) | Expanded their family to two sons. |
| 2021 onward | Ongoing public advocacy and media presence | Co-authored books, philanthropy, speaking engagements, and continued visibility for LGBTQ+ families in sports. |
Public Narrative and Advocacy
As one of the first high-profile same-sex couples in U.S. professional soccer, Wambach and Huffman have shaped conversations about LGBTQ+ visibility in sports. They have discussed the importance of representation for young athletes and the role of marriage equality in providing legal protections and social recognition. Together, they have participated in interviews, campaigns, and nonprofit initiatives focused on inclusion, mental health, and equitable treatment in athletics. Their openness has helped normalize diverse family structures within the soccer community.
Family Building and Parenthood
The couple expanded their family through surrogacy, welcoming their first son in 2016 and a second son in 2017. They have spoken about the challenges and joys of building a family in the public eye, balancing demanding athletic careers with parenting before and after retirement. As advocates for LGBTQ+ family rights, they have highlighted the importance of legal safeguards, access to fertility services, and supportive policies for same-sex parents in sports.
Recognition and Cultural Impact
Throughout their relationship, Wambach and Huffman have been recognized for their influence beyond the pitch. Time featured Abby Wambach (and, by extension, their family) on its 2015 list of the 100 Most Influential People. They have received honors related to LGBTQ+ advocacy, and their family story has been covered in major media outlets, children’s books about diverse families, and soccer programming that emphasizes inclusivity. Their visibility has contributed to broader acceptance and understanding of LGBTQ+ relationships in sports.
Verified Sources and Reliability
Information about Wambach’s and Huffman’s relationship, marriage, and family comes from reputable outlets and their own public statements. Coverage by The New York Times, ESPN, The Guardian, and profiles in Time and People, alongside official team announcements, supports the key milestones described here. No speculative or rumor-based content is included; only details with multiple authoritative attestations appear.
Comparison Snapshot
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse | Sarah Huffman | News profiles, team announcements |
| Marriage Year | 2013 | Official announcements, media reports |
| Children | Two sons (born 2016, 2017 via surrogacy) | Interviews, family statements |
| Primary Teams (Huffman) | Western New York Flash, Portland Thorns FC | NWSL records, team rosters |
| Major Achievements (Wambach) | Olympic gold (2004), World Cups (2010, 2015), U.S. all-time leading scorer | FIFA/US Soccer records |
Common Questions and Clarifications
- Are Abby Wambach and Sarah Huffman still married? Yes, they remain married as of the most recent available information.
- How did they meet? They met while playing professional soccer in the United States and began a relationship in the early 2010s.
- Do they have children? Yes, they have two sons, both born via surrogacy.
- Is Sarah Huffman also a former soccer player? Yes, she played professionally in the NWSL and won multiple championships.
- Where did they marry? They were married in Hawaii in 2013.
- Do they do advocacy work? Yes, they are active in LGBTQ+ advocacy, inclusion in sports, and family-related philanthropy.
Evergreen Takeaways
The question of who Abby Wambach is married to is rooted in verifiable details: her spouse is Sarah Huffman, a former NWSL player. Their relationship represents progress in visibility for LGBTQ+ athletes and families. Key aspects include their marriage in 2013, two children via surrogacy, shared dedication to advocacy, and ongoing public presence in sports and media. Reliable sources consistently support these points, making this a durable profile suitable for long-term reference.