Abby Smith on the Best Season of Her Career, Lindsey Heaps & Protecting Denver's Goal

Kate: Welcome back to the 5280 pitch Women's Soccer at Altitude. I'm Kate Hansen, and today we're sitting down with someone that has taken the league by storm for the first 11 games of the season. She's made the NWSL best 11 in March. She got Save of the Week in week two. I mean, like, she's really just tearing things up. And we're so lucky that she's on our team because I think that Well, we're gonna get into it today, but I think that we really got a steal of a deal by getting none other than Abby Smith, our number one keeper for the Denver Summit. She's joining us once again on the show. So Abby, thank you so much for being here.

Abby: Hi, thank you for having me again.

Kate: Well, it's it's so much has changed I feel since the last time we talked and it felt like last episode was such a a huge time to talk with you because it was right after the mile high game. And we got to talk about what it was like being in front of that many people and kind of the start of the season and there's been a lot that's I I feel that's a lot that's changed. And I wanna have more of this episode be about well how

Abby: Yeah.

Kate: much of a I I wanna say a surprise your season has been for Summit fans because I think that you've been under the radar for too long and now you finally have the spotlight shining on you. I mean you have ten years in this league, two championships, franchises honestly that s some of the franchises you've been a part of have folded. You had that knee injury that ended almost everything. And right now By every advanced metric out there, this is the best season of your professional career. How does that happen at thirty two on an expansion team in year one?

Abby: Well, it's definitely been a journey to say the least. it's crazy what happens when you're in an environment where you feel supported and you're growing and you are starting to just get into your own. ⁓ I think that's been something that I've really tried to focus on is how I prepare to show up every single day and also showing up every single day. It's hard to get to that point. ⁓ I would say as a young player, like sometimes you're still like trying to figure things out. And I just feel like Denver has been like a massive blessing in disguise. really nice to know like coming into trainings, like ⁓ Nick's push us, KB is gonna push us, our training ⁓ goalkeeper has been really great. so that's also super helpful in showing up on the weekends. And I think for myself, it's just how can I push myself to be better every single day? And I've been really fortunate to be with this group. ⁓

Kate: I mean it's it's been a an amazing start to the season and I feel like you've been that rock at the back for us and seeing everything. ⁓ to us a little bit about ⁓ this season so far through eleven games actually feels like inside the locker room.

Abby: I think there's a a bit of eagerness to win more games. I think there's been obviously there's been ups and downs, but in each of those games it never truly felt like we were out of it. And so that's something that is really promising and really exciting because we can control that. And in our locker room, there's

Kate: Mm.

Abby: we're still growing with our youth and also like getting the the firm understanding that we want to win. so that I think is something that's been unwavering. It's just how we get there ⁓ how quickly we get there. But I will say our locker room has done a really good job on really focusing on us and doing ⁓ we can. And I think it only gives us room for growth instead of the opposite.

Kate: Yeah. Yeah. And I think it's we've had a number I've had a number of rookies on on the show here and your name constantly comes up as someone that's been a leader in the locker room and on the field and very vocal, someone that they can lean on and really helping them show the ropes. So do feel like being on all these different teams when franchises and ⁓ really seeing it from ⁓ sides of being on bench and then being a starter, do you think that that's helping you lead some of the rookies? and help them find their way in the NWSL.

Abby: Yeah, I definitely want our rookies to have a better experience than what I did when I came in. ⁓ the league has grown so much. Thankfully it's grown so much. And so with that, I feel like we're in a very fortunate situation where I can help lead and give the rookies some insight, but also like see them flourish and grow. A big part of that is also like what they're willing to like absorb and take in because You come in as one person and you change and develop and grow so much throughout the year. And so it's just like, how much can you absorb and how much are you willing to take in? Because there's going to be ups and downs and it's gonna be a long season. It's a marathon. And so I want to be able to help them as much as I can. it comes as direct and fast and furious because We're in the game setting and then other times like I just want to hear their opinion and at the same time, like they have there's a reason why they're here. They're able to provide insight and also provide us as older players like ⁓ areas of growth. ⁓ ⁓ just appreciate the fact that our rookies and younger players come in ⁓ are not satisfied if playing. like significant minutes or not a lot of minutes, they they wanna be a big part of this team and a big role on the field. And so that's really exciting to have that as like a driving force with our younger players.

Kate: Through eleven games we've seen a lot of growth with some of the younger players. Has there been anyone that you feel has really found their footing and been, ⁓ man, I didn't expect someone to find their way in at the professional level so quickly and they they're fitting right in?

Abby: I think all of them, like when they first came in, I think everyone's been it's a little nerve-wracking when you come in as a pro. Obviously, when you have a decent amount of veterans, you're trying to figure out your way and like what that looks like. I think if you look at has contributed a lot of minutes. ⁓ ⁓ exciting part is like she has so much potential and you're just tapping into this as a rookie. And so that's really exciting to see. I think Nat Means has come in and done really, really well. And she's got a really open outlook on what is being asked of her and what ⁓ the changes she's making. I think it's really exciting to see just those two as examples, the growth that they've made so far. ⁓ but even like we have a really good rookie class that's come in. ⁓ and it's exciting to see like how much potential they have. When you're new and coming in in preseason, you can tell everyone's nervous. Like even the veterans are nervous because they're trying to figure out what it looks like on an expansion team and where their leadership like falls and like the the positives and the negatives of just trying to figure out like where are we going, like what's going on and

Kate: Mm-hmm. Yeah.

Abby: It's just exciting to see how everything has kind of like smoothed out and how everybody's able to contribute.

Kate: kinda call I called Natalie Means the the utility knife. I it's sometimes she's in at defence, sometimes she's ⁓ a forward. I kinda thrown in everywhere and I feel like ⁓ it's nice to have a player like that on the team that I I can put her here and I know that we'll get an output.

Abby: ⁓ absolutely. It's someone that you know you can rely on. And being I think the biggest thing is being reliable, especially as a young player. If you have veterans and coaching staff, when they look at you and they know they can rely on you, that's something that should be like taken to heart because it's hard to gain that trust. And it's really exciting to see that she's able to be given that trust and she's done well with it.

Kate: Yeah. So let's hop in the DeLorean and travel back a couple months to that Orlando game. you your two hundred and fiftieth career save against Orlando ⁓ and ten during the game. It also got you the NWSL Save of the Week nomination. Take us back to that game and what what do you remember about that night?

Abby: Wow. okay, so that I feel like Orlando is always a team that's pretty unpredictable when it comes to ways they they create chances and they're a really hard team that's pretty relentless. I think ⁓ that I was like really trying to ⁓ into was just how consistent and present can I be in that moment. And I feel like that's something that I've really tried to focus on this year, especially in day-to-day, but also those games. And to be honest, I didn't really know that was coming. I feel like I I don't pay attention too much to the stats when it comes to that stuff because I just want to show up for the team. And if that means that the field players are making blocks and I consider those saves, it takes a full team effort and I think going back to that game, it was like this bittersweet, like we're on the road, it's a three-game week. We got one point, but walking away almost felt like we lost. And there's something about that that's also I think it can be really positive because we have the drive to win everything. And so

Kate: Mm.

Abby: go fast forward to when we played Orlando here, I think we were a completely different team and we've grown so much in the best way. And it's just like you can it's crazy to see the difference that that first week of games basically was that that was the first week. It feels like forever. Yes. and just to fast forward to see like where we're at now.

Kate: Yeah. Yeah. I mean it was lifetime ago.

Abby: ⁓ and the progress that we've truly made like as a group.

Kate: Yeah. And I wanna talk a little bit about that goalkeeping room because it's you, Pauline, Geordie that are in there that are having ⁓ I think a lot of success. How do you all push each other to ⁓ really be the best on the field? Because again, this is some of the statistically the best ⁓ soccer that you've been playing.

Abby: Mm-hmm. I feel like it's interesting to say it's it's Pauline, it's Geordie, it's myself, and it really it's KB and we had Ellie in during preseason. And I think it's just the ability to morph and develop as a group of the internal drive of like how can we make ourselves better? But then if we're not pushing each other to be better, then we're not going to get the best out of one another. And I think

Kate: Mm.

Abby: coming in having KB as a goalkeeper coach, she is like above and beyond for goalkeeper coaches because she's played at the highest level. She understands it. She'll jump in and still like crush it and do well. And so to have that, it's been like really nice and refreshing. Because then if she's asking something from us, you know she's either tried it herself, she's been successful at it. There's just like

Kate: Ha ha.

Abby: The door is open and she's willing to like learn and grow with us. And so that's really, really nice. I think our group ⁓ it's funny because like obviously Pauline's away right now on international duty. And so it's been Geordie and I, and I feel like we've just been poking fun at each other and we're trying to score go goals on each other and win our competitions. and so it just makes it more fun. And so ⁓ this feeling of like,

Kate: Yeah.

Abby: when you make a really big save or when you guys can give each other a hard time in training, it's more fun when you do that. And I feel like we've really bonded and grown through that process. ⁓ and so I feel like that in return has helped me grow and develop and enjoy being at training more. And so then you see it in my play and then on the weekend. And so it's just been really nice and refreshing to be able to have the group in the development that we do have.

Kate: I don't know if you watched any of the Colorado Avalanche when they were playing ⁓ Heartbreaker and to the the Stanley Cup run, but I digress. Scott Wedgwood, the goalkeep one of the goalkeepers for the AB

Abby: Yeah. No. Yes.

Kate: He's in if you ever listen to him in a postgame interview talking about what h his preparation was going into a game, it's it's insane the stuff that it's like Rain Man. ⁓ he's Well I know that so and so does this, this and th and I feel like it's that's the type of studying that a lot of fans don't necessarily see is the the behind the scenes tendencies and footwork that certain players have. You've had two penalty shots on you this year and

Abby: Mm-hmm.

Kate: They both went in. That's not the point. The point that I'm making with this is that you you went the right way. You you made the right read on them. Talk to us a little bit about maybe some of the mental preparation on situations that might come up like that for a goalkeeper to help you make those decisions to go the right way. Cause that's that's half the battle right there is just is just making that right ⁓ read on on the kick.

Abby: Yeah. Well, I feel like every game day just I feel I would hope and also feel like every goalkeeper does this where we're either watching penalty kicks or key tendencies, key players that contribute to their team. And so that's something that I watch like every pregame, either the day before or the day of. Sometimes ⁓ I feel like I'll do it on away trips the day of, or I'll split it up just so then I can digest it a little bit more. And so that plays a big role into my development when it's like the pregame. ⁓ I think in the past it's always been like very simple of you get like a spreadsheet and you kind of see where they hit the net. But now I feel like I'm like watching. as many details as possible just so then if someone lines up a certain way or just any tendency and quality that a player has, you you want to know. especially like if they're predominantly left footed. But then the one time that they shoot with the right, you may want to see what that looks like. because you can kind of read it. So ⁓ big for me. ⁓ And also re-watching our like our pre-match ⁓ film that we get from the full team, like the full group watching film together. I think that's something that's nice to review just because there's a lot of tendencies that come out in those clips. So I'm like constantly watching clips and like looking at what other teams are doing. ⁓ obviously there's other games that are going on in the weekend and the week prior. So I try and watch as much of those games as possible, especially if there's a team that we're playing the next week. So you just kind of see what that looks like because if a team has a heartbreaker of a game, then their attitude may be a little bit different coming into the next game. Like they may be coming out a lot harder, or you can see that they're a little bit more fatigued. And so that's something that you also want to take note of.

Kate: you've the opportunity to again, you've seen you've been around for a while now, you've seen franchises fold, you've been relocated, ⁓ you've been traded. I I so let's with over a decade in this league, ⁓ when did you know that situation here in Denver was genuinely different than anything else that you'd experienced previously?

Abby: Yeah, it's funny that you like name off all those things because like I to think that fans can say things and they think that players don't see it. As unfortunate as it is, like people give me such a hard time that I've been around this league and I was like, okay, well you just became a fr ⁓ a fan last year. So as unfortunate as it is, like teams fold, teams relocate. It's a part of it. We're way more stable than what we were before. And so coming into this environment, right, more fans, more support. And so it's exciting, but it's like a big part of it is like knowing the history of this league. And so we have progressed so much. And so coming into this team and this environment, it's been the people. off like the conversations that I had before I was even signed, I think was ⁓

Kate: Hmm. There's more fans than ever before.

Abby: a big sign for me, talking to David and Kurt and then talking to Nick. I think that was like ⁓ kind of getting a feel for ⁓ their vision was, what their expectations were ⁓ was big because it's like ⁓ one is like making sure you align with the vision and the goals and ⁓ what are willing to do and expect of you. Is going to be key for your success. And so I think that was something that was really important for me. ⁓ but then on the flip side, I also am really big on if you don't really hear much about what's going on, that's probably because they're doing a lot of work behind the scenes. And that was kind of the case where it's like you don't really hear much, but That's because like most people, if you hear something, it's like sometimes it's negative. And if you're just not hearing anything at all, that's probably better. Which it sounds a little silly, but it's true. ⁓ and so coming in, it was like wanted to make sure they were hiring the right people, good people that were truly invested. ⁓ And get here and you see that everyone's bought in.

Kate: Yeah. Yeah. It's true. Yeah, no, it's true.

Abby: And once you get the full group together, it's really exciting because it's a whole new environment. Some of us know each other from the past and playing together, growing up together, but then we come into this environment and it's very different. Like new ownership group, Rob is incredibly, incredibly invested and really does care for us. And so it's really exciting to see Molly and Rob show up at away games. And support us at training sessions and knowing that like the coaching staff, they have their family that will travel so far to come and support us. And so just knowing that we have like the right people and even the families behind them that are invested, you you just get this feeling where it's like, okay, everyone's invested and they're really. pushing for this group to be successful and for it to be very different.

Kate: Well and you've the opportunity to be on a couple championship teams. you've been in winning locker rooms. ⁓ Take us through how have those locker rooms felt compared to the Denver Summits locker room?

Abby: I think what's interesting is being in a championship locker room, everything looks a little bit different because when I was fortunate enough to be at Portland, that group was very established. Like the expectations, the culture, the ⁓ the fan base, everything was very established and there was ⁓ this aura about Portland where like people wanted to be there, but also like you step into that environment and you knew that the best of the best was going to be there and they were going to run through a wall for each other. but they were also soccer brains. And so like telling me that you're playing with Becky Sauern, Megan Klingenberg, Christine Sinclair, you have Anne Salem who's now on our staff, you have Lindsey, you have like all these top players.

Kate: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Yeah.

Abby: in one team, so like you show up and if you're not training well, you're gonna hear it. And so and then I think at Gotham the first ⁓ the first time around there was something about everybody being bought in and it wasn't easy, but at the same time like we had our ups and downs and that was part of it. And I think this locker room is very special because Both teams have been in the league and both teams have been established. Some better than others. Like realistically, some are turning things around and some aren't. what I mean that is like sometimes you just flip the roster and then you're hoping that like people buy in and you change something ⁓ for the better. so ⁓ we have a great opportunity that our locker room is brand new. We are ⁓ Trying to establish the culture that we want a winning environment to be and bringing in more winners. That's the biggest thing is like if you have players that genuinely want to win and will do whatever it takes, knowing that if they're giving you feedback, it's because they want to win and they want everybody on the same page. It everybody's feedback looks different. And having that mutual respect and understanding. will make you that much better. And I think that's something that we're still developing and we're still growing because we have to learn each other's personalities and what like asking them how you receive feedback and what you need from them, but then also w what they need from you. And I think that's something that is very special, but it's very different than the other locker rooms that I was in.

Kate: Mm-hmm. Well, speaking of people coming into the team, and in different leadership styles, there's a very big name that's gonna be joining the team after this June break here. Talk to me a little bit about what the locker room energy is before Lindsey Heap's arrival.

Abby: I think we are all like excited to have Lindsey here. It's great ending our first push of the season with a win. So coming back and having this break to reset just kind of like give ourselves the right amount of time to recover and the mental break that we need. ⁓ So then when we come back, we're able to really invest and push and grow that much more. I think Lindsey coming in only pushes the group to be better. And realistically, like I've known Lindsey for a really long time, and she is a leader and she is a winner. And that's something that I think we all can learn and grow from. Like she has won at the highest level. And so In order for our team to keep developing and to keep growing, her like Lindsey coming in is only going to help us. And I think our locker room is really excited about the growth that we're going to have and welcome welcoming her with open arms because is hard coming in after like a certain amount of time. And she is just as invested in our group as everybody else that's here. It just takes time for her to get into. a rhythm with this group and that's no different than anybody else that's coming into the team. But I think Lindsey is going to only make us a better team.

Kate: Yeah. So talk to me to me about what you are seeing from your position. You have the best view out of everybody. You get to see the place develop. And talk to me about what you're seeing from your position on the field that maybe the typical Denver Summit fan is missing. What is something that this team is doing exceptionally well that maybe isn't getting noticed enough by the media or by the average watcher?

Abby: Okay, so I do think that in the highs and lows of these games, we're an exciting team to watch. And it's hard to play against us. And realistically, none of these games have been like, we're so far off. Like I think we're one goal. So realistically, it's like knowing that at any moment. the games are going to stay really close and we are pushing to be on top in most of these games and we are having chances. I think that's something that gives people the highs and lows of soccer. but I do think ⁓ I think a lot of fans are ⁓ starting to see is the different personalities that we also have off the field, which is like really funny to see because some people ⁓

Kate: Mm.

Abby: are a little bit more outgoing or you don't see it right at first, but then you'll see like their one-liners, or some people are a little bit more creative when it comes to like how they dress, ⁓ ⁓ have more of a social media personality. It's just I think fans see it, but then like the ones that they don't see, I think it's really funny when you see their one-liners. ⁓ And you can just see the facial expressions. ⁓ I think that's something that's also special that we like have in our locker room that a lot of people don't get to see.

Kate: can talk about that Emma Sears save that you had the ⁓ holy cow, it wa ⁓ was going through your mind when it was and Emma Sears p six feet away from each other and you just had to make yourself as big as possible. Walk us through that that save and the final match before the break.

Abby: ⁓ yeah. So when that happened, I there's a couple words that I probably shouldn't repeat out loud, but we it was like at the very end of the game and I was like, not again. No, not not happening. And so I honestly was just thinking, I was like, okay, if she's on our left foot, she sh can shoot with both. She's a fast player, she's a powerful player. We have two recovering defenders like hoping that they can make a play on it. And then as soon as she cut both of them, which has happened in this league, I was like, I gotta go. I was like, gotta go. Okay, here we are. ⁓ and then I just like tried to close the space as quickly as possible because when she close when she cut ⁓ KK and Ava back, I

Kate: It's me. ⁓ yeah.

Abby: was just like, Well, she's on her right foot, so what it like, what are you gonna do? And so it's kind of like a standoff, honestly. And I was like hoping that I made myself big enough to where she just hit me.

Kate: I mean, that's probably the scariest position to be in as a keeper because you're just trying to make yourself as big as possible and it's like, well, it could hit me in the face you know, anywhere. ⁓ but that was an amazing save. So thank you for keeping that clean sheet for us and you know, going up and making yourself a bear in front of her so she couldn't get around. That was a ⁓ that was a really great save. ⁓ fine so

Abby: Mm-hmm. Yes. Peace. Thanks.

Kate: I've got two more questions for you here. So the last second to last one here is Lindsey Heaps, when she comes, how do you see ⁓ the field the the playing field and the style of play change? Or does it change?

Abby: Okay. think when Lindsey gets here, I think realistically we're a team that likes to play. So I don't know if we're going to change all that much. ⁓ I think Lindsey gives us a different presence in games just because ⁓ of presence alone. But I do think the way that we like to play and what is going to be demanded of each other is only going to increase ⁓ our Ability to play through the lines is going to be really important. And I think Lindsey only helps us with that. But I'm I'm also excited to see the goal scoring contributions Lindsey's going to have. Because even though Lindsey like plays in the midfield, I feel like for most forwards get the credit for the goals, but ⁓ has those. contributions and abilities to score on free kicks and on any like set piece and just in the run of play. So ⁓ think that's gonna be really exciting to see how that changes things. ⁓ I'm curious what other teams will do differently and how they'll change the way they play with against us. so think it's just gonna be a really exciting post break ⁓ game evaluation. So I think we're just gonna continue to try and push how Nick wants to develop the team and then see how other teams change their tactics.

Kate: You guys are sitting at ninth in the table right now, but eighth in the power rankings. Phone expansion team, that's great. That has you in the playoffs, looking at all the stats, and yeah I talk a lot about the numbers on the show when it's just me sitting here talking to myself. But I talk a lot about numbers. And the way that the summit is playing right now is way better than your guys' record. And I think that

Abby: No. Yeah.

Kate: That's that says a lot about how close this team is really to be a contender this year. So I think that you've you've had the opportunity to be on championships You've ⁓ been on rehab of things, not knowing if you're even going to ever play again. ⁓ And here are on a team that is in the playoff c conversations, you're having some

Abby: Mm-hmm.

Kate: Well, you are having the best soccer of your career. I looked at the numbers. it you you're playing the best soccer ⁓ your career right now in a s in a city that's never had a professional team before. When you actually stop and sit with all of that, what does that mean to you?

Abby: I want to say, like every day has been very fun. Some are harder than others, but when I walk away from it, it's like, am I having fun? And am I getting better? And I think if I can have a positive outlook on those two things, I feel like I'm in a really good place. Like mentally, emotionally, physically. I think that's been. a really big, would say like a full circle moment. because ⁓ some have been harder than others. And I feel like ⁓ the that we've had from ⁓ the ⁓ and just knowing our fans are backing us has been like very, very refreshing and really nice. ⁓ but also knowing that like Denver's pretty cool. ⁓ So I'm like happy that I'm able to be here and I'm getting to show up and play the sport that I love and I've feel like I've only developed and grown a lot as the years have come. So I think that's just something that I try and keep it as simple as possible. fun, getting better. Am I happy? ⁓ And then how am I showing up for myself and my teammates because and the community because if I can make sure that those are my focuses, then I feel like I've just like I'm setting myself up for success. ⁓

Kate: Well We are so happy to have you here in Denver, Abbey. And you are our gem and nobody else can take you. So we're so glad that you're here protecting the our goals and keeping us in those games and getting all those clean sheets. I mean, this is a real strong start to the season. again, think that you're you're just having a phenomenal year so far. So ⁓ thank you. Thank you. ⁓ well congratulations to your Longhorns on winning the softball championship. ⁓ yeah.

Abby: Yeah. Thank you. Yes. ⁓ I'm

Kate: All things are turning up Abby Smith these days, so

Abby: I'm I'm very, very proud to be a Texas Longhorn and watched the entire series. So it's really exciting that they won back to back. And our rowing team won as well. So that was I think they I think what I saw was that they set a world record. So I'm I'm just happy that they're doing well and succeeding. So

Kate: Man, so I'm gonna have to go and look at more numbers. Well, I hope you enjoy your break and t enjoy this time off. It's just a couple weeks, I know, but ⁓ you know, I hope that you get some much needed rest and recuperation before coming on back and there's a new face in the locker room. You're at a new ⁓ facility at Centennial Stadium with a lot of your training facilities and everything. So ⁓ I again thank you again for joining us on the 5280 pitch today ⁓ sharing ⁓ sharing all your insights on the first trimester of the season.

Abby: Yeah, thank you. I'm happy to be here.