1. A secret Hammer!
In her first exclusive interview since joining West Ham United, Mewis revealed that the first match she ever watched here in England was at the Boleyn Ground.
“I had never seen anything like it before in my entire life. I walked in and I was just like a deer in headlights, thinking ‘this is heaven’,” she explained.
“I feel like nothing has ever compared to that match. I've been to so many other men's games, Premier League games, all different types of games, and nothing has really stuck out like that specific visit to a West Ham game.
“It's pretty incredible that this is now the team that I'm going to be playing for. It feels surreal, and I feel like it's kind of like all coming together. I felt so a part of the community in that one game that I went to, and nothing has ever lived up to that since. It's pretty cool that this is going to be my team now, it's all come full circle."
2. Her International redemption
Mewis has not had it easy when it comes to her career with the national team. After making 15 appearances between 2013 and 2014, Mewis found herself in the international wilderness, despite solid form at club level.
It wouldn’t be until 2020 when the midfielder would return to international action, where she would score in a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands. It marked 2,722 days after her first goal for her country in June 2013, the longest span between goals in the team’s history.
Since then, Mewis has been ever-present for the National Team, being called up into every squad for her country in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Her comeback story is one that will likely inspire many, and she will be hoping to continue turning the pages on her international career whilst here in east London.
3. A family affair
You may have already clocked that there is another famous Mewis that has played for the United States and in the WSL.
Kristie’s younger sister, Sam, has appeared 83 times for her country, playing alongside her sibling on numerous occasions.
With Kristie’s inclusion on the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup roster, the Mewis sisters become the first set of sisters to each represent the USA at a FIFA Women’s World Cup, the first sisters ever to make an Olympic Team (2020), as well as being the most capped sisters in USWNT history.
Indeed, Sam has spent time in England before too, playing 17 times for Manchester City in the 2020-21 season, scoring seven goals. She made such an impact in her short time in Manchester that she was named in FA WSL PFA Team of the Year at the end of the season.
Kristie revealed that her sister recommended a move to the WSL based on her experience with the Citizens.
4. A history-making 2023!
The 32-year-old will link up with West Ham United for her first taste of English football after an incredibly successful season with Gotham FC.
The New Jersey based outfit clinched their first every NWSL Championship after battling through the playoffs to reach the final – which took place on 12 November 2023.
Mewis may not have featured in the final herself, but she did help squeeze past Portland Thorns in a tight 1-0 win in the semi-finals. In the second half of extra time, Mewis found former Liverpool player Katie Stengel, who fired a stunner into the top corner of the net to help the Bats reach the final.
5. She's a combative, hardworking midfielder
Mewis arrives in east London looking to add steel and quality to the West Ham United midfield. Her experience is likely to be vital as the Hammers aim to climb the Barclays Women’s Super League table.
The midfielder is somebody that should complement the Hammers midfield well, with a reputation of performing well with the ball under pressure and has fantastic technically ability with the ball at her feet.
Her work without the ball is likely to get West Ham fans chanting her name too! The 32-year-old is known for her work ethic and will certainly help her team in and out of possession.
"I'm usually a runner, I can run for days," she explained in her first interview. "I'll definitely bring my tactical awareness, as well as the technical side of the game.
"There was subtle differences between the WSL and NWSL from what I've heard, and I'm excited to show what I can bring to the team."
6. A Netflix star!
Mewis stars in the recently released Netflix series, Under Pressure: The U.S Women’s World Cup Team, which made its debut on the streaming service on Tuesday 12 December 2023.
The four-part docu-series follows the USWNT throughout the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as they battle through injuries, criticism, doubt, the fight for equal pay, and upholding legacies.
Mewis features heavily in all four episode alongside forward Lynn Williams, as they bring insight about their motivations, the anticipation of that first touch on a world stage, and the glimpses into their personal lives.
7. Her fiancé also plays in the WSL
Since 2020, Mewis has been in a relationship with Chelsea and Australia forward Sam Kerr.
The Women’s Ballon D’or runner-up has played for Chelsea since January 2020, and the pair established a relationship together during the 2020 COVID lockdown. The officially announced their relationship on Instagram in 2021.
It could make for an interesting match-up if Mewis and Kerr feature in the upcoming Adobe Women’s FA Cup fourth round tie between the two sides, which is scheduled to take place at Kingsmeadow on Sunday 14 January 2024 – the first match back after the Christmas break.
Click here to see Mewis' career in pictures so far!
