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by | Mar 29, 2018 | Vernonia

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Olivia Smith-Griffitts (née Smith; born August 2, 2001) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a right back for the Utah Royals of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Born and raised in Eagle, Idaho, she played college soccer for the BYU Cougars before being drafted by the Royals in the 2024 NWSL Draft.

Early life and college career

Griffitts was born in Eagle, Idaho, to Matt and Allyson Smith, and has five siblings.[1][2] She played at forward before becoming a right back, leading her high school conference in scoring as a senior at Eagle High School in 2018–19.[3]

BYU Cougars, 2019–2023

Griffitts redshirted her first year with the BYU Cougars before becoming a four-year starter for the team, starting 79 of 82 appearances and scoring four goals. In her first full season, she provided eight assists and was named to the All-West Coast Conference freshman team for the 2021 season, helping reach the final of the NCAA tournament, followed by second-team All-WCC honors as a redshirt sophomore in 2022. She contributed eight assists in the 2023 season and helped the Cougars advance to the semifinals of the NCAA tournament.[2][3]

Club career

Utah Royals, 2024–

Griffitts was drafted 20th overall by the expansion team Utah Royals in the second round of the 2024 NWSL Draft.[3] She was signed to a one-year contract with an option for a further year.[4] She debuted for the Royals in the starting lineup against the Washington Spirit on March 31 in place of an injured Imani Dorsey.[5] She scored her first professional goal off an Ally Sentnor assist in a 5–1 defeat to Racing Louisville FC on April 20.[6] She exited the game against the Chicago Red Stars on May 12 with a leg injury.[7]

Personal life

She married Kyle Griffitts in 2023.[2]

References

  1. ^ "Olivia Griffitts". Utah Royals. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c "Olivia Smith-Griffitts". BYU Cougars. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c Lyckama, Michael (January 18, 2024). "Another Idaho native selected in NWSL Draft. She's part of a growing trend". Idaho Statesman. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  4. ^ "Olivia Griffitts Puts Pen To Paper With Utah Royals FC". Utah Royals. March 21, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  5. ^ "Royals Suffer Narrow Defeat In Spirit Loss". Utah Royals. March 31, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  6. ^ Holt, Chandler (April 20, 2024). "Former BYU Cougar Olivia Griffitts Scores First NWSL Goal With Utah Royals". KSL Sports. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  7. ^ "Utah Royals Fall Short In Road Match Against Chicago Red Stars". KSL Sports. May 12, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
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