No one knows New York City quite like Samantha Rosette, which is why it’s the perfect homecoming for the Bronx native. The defender’s career has taken her from Kazakhstan to Lithuania to France, but now she’s back where it all began, signing with USL Super League’s Brooklyn FC.
“I was born and raised in New York City, so when the opportunity came up to play for the first women’s professional team in New York City proper in its inaugural year, it just made sense,” Rosette said. “A huge passion of mine is to grow the women’s game in New York City and make it more accessible to New York City kids like myself when I was growing up. It feels so special.”
When not playing abroad, Rosette has spent much of her off-seasons working with Downtown United Soccer Club, mentoring and coaching the future of the beautiful game in her hometown. Now, she gets to be the example of what is possible right in her own backyard, a reality that would not be possible without the inception of the Super League.
“There is so much talent and desire for women’s football here in the states,” Rosette said. “We needed more than 14 National Women’s Soccer League teams. The Super League provides so many opportunities for players like myself who maybe had to go abroad or were waiting for an opportunity in the NWSL.”
For Matt Rizzetta, President of Brooklyn Football Club, Rosette is exactly the type of player that will not only contribute on the field, but help build the community that will be vital to the team’s longevity and success.
“Sam represents Brooklyn Football Club’s mission both on and off the pitch,” Rizzetta said. “We are the only professional women’s club based in New York City, so having a player who grew up in our backyard and is connected to our community like Sam is a source of inspiration for our club.”
Although Rosette cherished her time abroad, taking advantage of learning new cultures, new styles of play, and seeing the world, she knows that a career that takes you far from home is not for everyone. However, she directly credits her time abroad, including appearances in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, with getting her ready for this moment.
“When you play abroad, the number one thing that you grow in is your adaptability,” Rosette said. “I learned how to play with different players, which is also something I was used to, growing up in New York City. You’re always playing with people from different cultures, and even if you can’t share their language, you find a way to connect through the game, finding that chemistry and relationship with them on and off the field.”
With Brooklyn FC, she sees a roster that reflects New York City – a diverse group of players with different backgrounds and career trajectories coming together to play the game she loves. In fact, it is this love of the game that has kept Rosette going through her career, and after so many years abroad, she’s bringing that love back home.
“Football has given me a lot,” Rosette said. “I’m a builder, I love to build things. I want to make it so people have a place to call theirs. I really am excited about doing that in Brooklyn. That is something that has kept me going.”
Rosette’s ability to build is reflected in her organization The Players Network (TPN) which she helped to co-found. The organization was created by and for players to provide community and tap into their collective power to help advocate for themselves and advance their careers.
“The Players Network puts power back in the players hands,” Rosette said. “The founders include myself, Gabby Cuevas, and Bri Reed. Together we have this plethora of experience and want to put that knowledge and connection back into players hands to give them more power in their careers. Women’s football is a unique community and we really want to help build each other up.”
When she’s not playing, coaching, or working on TPN, Rosette can be found cooking, practicing her French, and spending time with her family, who will most certainly be in the stands to cheer on their local team. In fact, Rosette feels confident that the wider Brooklyn FC community will feel just like a family, a two-way street between supporters and players, and she cannot wait to get started.
“We are so excited to be here, to bring women’s football to New York City proper, and to build that legacy and presence of women’s football here,” Rosette said. “I’m excited to build this legacy and community. Fans should come, bring their kids, and grow with us together. Bring everyone you know and let’s have a good time!”