Despite going undrafted in 2023, Paige Metayer became a day-one starter for the Spirit last season. The midfielder started all but one regular season match for the team her rookie year, tallying three goals and an assist across more than 1,800 minutes of action. Metayer was named the NWSL’s Rookie of the Month for her stellar performance in June 2023 that included a goal and an assist. Following her strong season, the Irvine, California native, signed a new three-year contract with a 2027 option.
What was your first soccer memory?
One of my first soccer memories is actually playing little kid soccer. We had a throw in, and of course, I wanted the ball, so I threw it to my own feet, and I got yelled at for it because you’re not allowed to do that, obviously. I was like four, and I was embarrassed.
Who is an athlete you looked up to as a kid? Or athlete you look up to now?
I think there are a lot of women’s basketball players that are really admirable right now – just the way they handle themselves, the pressure, and being a female athlete and having that weight of growing the game on them. I think they do a really good job of making the WNBA better for themselves, and I think that’s really admirable.
What was your first job?
I worked as event staff for a summer at a nice hotel in South Carolina. So, I worked a lot of weddings. That was an interesting experience. My parents moved to South Carolina; while I was in college for a year or two.
What was your first concert?
The first concert I ever went to was Drake, which if you know me, that is not my vibe at all. So, it’s really funny that gets constantly brought up that my first concert was Drake.
What is your concert vibe?
I would like to go to the Eras Tour. I’m upset about that. Or, Olivia Rodrigo is also coming.
What is the next place on your travel bucket list?
One of my good friends is moving to Japan soon, so this winter I would like to go to Japan. Anything in Asia, I would love to see.
What is the most essential part of your daily routine?
Everyday, I do an entire routine of phone games, which is the Wordle, Globle, Travle, Connections, the Mini, and Strands. One of my fun facts is that I can label almost every country in the world. Someone needs to bring me a map, I need to try that.
Is there a skill you always wanted to learn?
I wish I was better at languages. I think it would be really cool to know a lot of languages. Spanish is always the one that comes to mind because I learned it in high school. I wish I was fluent, but I have no accent. I would love to learn Mandarin because my Dad knows some Mandarin, and I think that’s really cool.
What is a song that always gets you on the dance floor?
TiK ToK by Kesha. That was my favorite song growing up.
Do you have any pets?
I grew up with a ton of cats. I would say cats, but now they’re kind of my Mom’s cats, so I wouldn’t claim them as my own. My mom has two cats that I wish liked me more than they do. They never want to interact with me, but that’s OK.
What was your favorite subject in school?
I was a math girl. Math and science growing up. Anything to do with that. I majored in Data Science, so I really liked those classes.
Do you collect anything?
Can I say plants? I have quite a few plants going on at my house. I’m really bad at the names. I have a fiddle-leaf fig that looks fake, and I got it for $10 at Lid I, and I’m really proud of it.
What is your favorite sport to watch?
I grew up watching a lot of Patriots games in the NFL, so I’d say that. The Patriots because my parents are from Rhode Island.
What is your favorite pizza topping?
Black olives. I feel like if you don’t like olives, you need to elevate your palette. I’ve always liked black olives on pizza.
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