RyeGPT People of Note: From Rye to MLS: The Rise of Soccer Star Will Sands

RyeGPT People of Note is a series highlighting individuals who have a connection to the City of Rye. In the series we ask OpenAI’s ChatGPT to prepare a biography and explain the individual’s connection to Rye.

We welcome your feedback on this series – the use of artificial intelligence, the accuracy and usefulness of each article and your assistance in understanding other pertinent insights related to the person’s connection to Rye.

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Will Sands, born on July 6, 2000, in Rye, New York, is an American professional soccer player who currently plays as a defender for the New England Revolution in Major League Soccer (MLS). 

Early Life and Connection to Rye, New York

Sands grew up in Rye, New York, where he began his soccer journey. He attended Brunswick School in nearby Greenwich, Connecticut, and played varsity soccer as a freshman, starting and scoring 10 goals in 16 games. 

Youth and College Career

At 15 years old, Sands joined the New York City FC academy system and stayed until 2019 when he graduated from Brunswick. He played college soccer at Georgetown University from 2019 to 2021, making 56 appearances and scoring four goals. He helped the team win the 2019 NCAA College Cup and two Big East Tournaments.

Professional Career

In 2021, Sands played for Manhattan SC in the USL League Two, appearing in 10 games and scoring four goals. On January 21, 2022, he signed as a homegrown player with the Columbus Crew after a trade with New York City FC for his homegrown rights, which refers to the exclusive rights an MLS club holds to sign players who have developed in their own youth academy system.

Sands made his professional debut for Columbus Crew 2 in a 1–0 win against Philadelphia Union II and subsequently debuted for the first team in the U.S. Open Cup match against Detroit City FC. On July 31, 2024, Sands was traded to the New England Revolution, where he continued his professional career. 

Personal Life

Will Sands is the twin brother of James Sands, who plays for New York City FC and the United States men’s national soccer team. His sister, Kate, played soccer at Williams College and Monmouth University, and currently coaches the women’s soccer team at Greenwich Academy. Another sister, Lizzie, played soccer at Bowdoin College.