When you think of Becky Sauerbrunn, you think of a legend—a two-time World Cup winner, a fierce defender, and one of the most respected leaders in women’s soccer history. But behind every great athlete is a support system, and for Becky, that’s her longtime partner, Zola Short. Their relationship isn’t just a footnote in her career; it’s a love story built on shared passions, quiet strength, and a whole lot of soccer.
Zola Short isn’t just Becky Sauerbrunn’s “husband” (despite not being officially married)—he’s a former athlete in his own right, a guy who understands the grind of competitive sports, and someone who’s been by Becky’s side through championships, injuries, and everything in between. They met at the University of Virginia, where both played soccer, and their connection wasn’t just about the game. It was about mutual respect, shared values, and that unspoken understanding of what it takes to excel at the highest level.
While Becky went on to become a USWNT icon, Zola’s presence in her life has been a steady constant—a partner who gets it, whether it’s the adrenaline of a big win or the frustration of a tough loss.
Their relationship has always been low-key—no flashy headlines, just genuine partnership. That’s why when Becky announced in 2025 that she and Zola were expecting their first child, it wasn’t just a pregnancy reveal; it was a glimpse into a new chapter for two people who’ve spent years building a life together. On an episode of The Women’s Game podcast, Becky dropped the news in the most Becky way possible: casually, while laughing about a funny story involving a toddler’s meltdown over a flushed toilet. Classic Sauerbrunn—equal parts heartfelt and hilarious.
From UVA Teammates to Life Partners
Becky and Zola’s story starts on the soccer field—because of course it does. They were both Cavaliers at the University of Virginia, where Becky was already turning heads as a future USWNT star and Zola was holding his own as a solid player. There’s something special about sharing that kind of grind with someone—the early morning practices, the road trips, the highs and lows of college athletics. It’s no surprise that their friendship grew into something deeper.
After UVA, Becky’s career skyrocketed while Zola stepped into a more behind-the-scenes role. But make no mistake: he wasn’t just “the boyfriend” or “the husband.” He was part of her foundation. When Becky was named USWNT co-captain in 2016, then full-time captain in 2021, Zola was there—not in the spotlight, but in the moments that mattered. When she retired in 2024 after an unforgettable 16-year career, he was right beside her, celebrating a legacy that included two World Cup titles, an Olympic gold medal, and a reputation as one of the best defenders in the game.
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Their relationship isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about the little things. Like how Becky once mentioned that Zola is the kind of guy who’ll rub her back after a tough game or make her laugh when the pressure feels overwhelming. Or how, when she was considering freezing her eggs during her playing career (a topic she openly discussed on the Snacks podcast), Zola was fully in the trenches with her, navigating the challenges of family planning as a professional athlete.
Parenthood, Podcasts, and the Next Chapter
In 2025, Becky Sauerbrunn and Zola Short shared some huge news: they’re expecting their first child. For a couple who’ve spent years focused on soccer, this next phase is equal parts thrilling and terrifying—as Becky put it, “I’m scared but I’m also very excited.” That mix of nerves and joy is something any soon-to-be parent can relate to, but for Becky, it’s also a reflection of how she approaches life: with honesty, humor, and a whole lot of heart.
Since retiring, Becky hasn’t exactly slowed down. She’s been doing broadcast work for TNT Sports and co-hosting The Women’s Game podcast with Sam Mewis. But with a baby on the way, she’s admitted she’ll be stepping back from some of those gigs—at least for a little while. “I’m probably not going to be doing broadcast after a while,” she said, laughing. “I’ll be hopefully still doing stuff with you here in the house, but yeah, I’m going to be taking it easy for a little bit.” Even in this new role, Zola’s presence is a given—the guy who’ll likely be the calm to her chaos when diaper changes and 3 a.m. feedings take over.
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What’s next for them? More adventures, surely. Maybe coaching, maybe more advocacy work (Becky’s always been a fierce voice for equality and LGBTQ+ rights). But one thing’s certain: Zola isn’t just Becky Sauerbrunn’s romantic man. He’s her teammate, in every sense of the word. And as they step into parenthood together, that partnership—forged on soccer fields and strengthened through years of quiet support—is what’ll make this next chapter just as remarkable as the last.
