PORT ORCHARD, WA—Sam Meade reconnected with Port Orchard FC during the 2026 preseason. A few months later the Tacoma native (Curtis High Soccer) notched an impressive feat. He’s played in every Port Orchard match so far this season.
This is even more impressive considering the hurdles Sam faced to get to this point. He has battled back and overcome several injuries that might have ended his soccer career. His time spent in physical training, rebuilding his legs, has led to a revived outlook on the pitch.
A Welcomed, Timely Return
“The news that Sam was back in the area and ready to play was a wonderful surprise for us,” says POFC Coordinator David Falk. “He has always been connected to the history of POFC, having assisted on our first ever goal back in 2023. More than that though, we always remembered Sam as a class act who quietly lead by how hard he played.”
The Tall Firs lost basically an entire roster after the 2025 season. Guys decided to move on. The entire coaching staff changed. Looking for some kind of stability, the club was excited to see Sam return.
Gaffer Takes Notice
“When I was forming the roster in April Sam was a player who everyone spoke highly of and was wanting back in Marina Blue,” says POFC Gaffer Max Sampson.
“He is known as a smart, personable, team first player who I personally expect to make a great coach someday. His return from injury has been good to see as he has been a mainstay in the middle of the park. Strong on a tackle, great anticipation, and disciplined in his positioning…important traits of an anchoring midfielder.”
The new coach inherited a new roster to juggle and Sam has been a point of calmness to build a midfield around.
“When your back is against the wall you need guys like Sam who never give up and helps others stay sharp. I never question his spirit, and he is a valued teammate in every sense,” says Sampson.
Meade has also used his Curtis High soccer connections to help bolster the POFC roster. Most notably, he welcomed defender Ethan Bell (Curtis 2025, Whitworth Pirates) into the Tall Firs defense. Bell represented POFC in a recent All Star match.
Costa Rica And Coaching
Coaching at the highest possible level remains a future goal for Meade. He’s done some coaching as part of the Leeds Beckett University football program in Leeds, England, where he also played. He’s got plans to continue playing later this year in Costa Rica. Sam recently earned his UEFA “C” Coaching License. He continues to receive feedback from Leeds Beckett as well.
Next Comes Yakima
Meade’s next challenge is an immediate one. He will lead the POFC midfield into the Evergreen Premier League semifinals on Saturday July 18 at Yakima’s Marquette Stadium against powerhouse Yakima United FC. The Hoppers just won the Washington State Super Cup and are 2-time defending EPLWA Champions. The Weather forecast is 90 degrees at kick off.
“POFC will battle hard like we always do,” says Falk. “Having Sam in the middle to stabilize things while our attackers venture forward is reassuring. It’s been awesome to see Sam back on the pitch and wearing Marina Blue.”
Photos used in this article were shot by Sara Jones of Game Misconduct Media.
