Sarah Puntigam

Midfielder • Age 34 • #17

Sarah Puntigam is an Austrian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Houston Dash and the Austria national team.

Fun Facts about Sarah

Discover more than stats. Get more of who she is.

She became Austria’s all-time most capped player in 2021, surpassing Nina Burger with 110 appearances.

She made her senior national team debut at just 16 years old in 2009.

She helped Austria reach the semi-finals in their first-ever UEFA Women’s Euro appearance.

She married fellow footballer Genessee Daughetee in 2022 while they were teammates at 1. FC Köln.

She began playing soccer at just seven years old.

She has played professionally in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, and the U.S.

She took over as captain of Austria in 2023.

She describes herself as a very family-oriented person, and her family plays a significant role in her life.

She sees herself as an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, sharing her experience to encourage others to be themselves and feel comfortable coming out.

Despite the media attention surrounding her coming out, Sarah believes it shouldn't matter who someone loves, though she acknowledges it was important for raising awareness and helping others.

Sarah met her partner, Gen, for the first time on a beach near Montpellier, France, called Palavas, and they later reconnected in Barcelona for their first date.

She proposed to Gen on the same beach, Palavas, two years later during a surprise picnic.

Sarah has a deep respect for the American mentality, especially the self-confidence and the willingness to fight for equality seen in figures like Megan Rapinoe.