U.S. Women’s National Team and Gotham FC defender Kelley O’Hara has made the decision to retire from soccer after the conclusion of the 2024 NWSL season. O’Hara has been a stalwart player for over a decade, with an impressive track record including four World Cups (winning two in 2015 and 2019) and three Olympics appearances.
The announcement of her retirement came through a video created for Just Women’s Sports as part of her series Kelley on the Street. O’Hara revealed that injuries, including ankle and knee issues, have taken a toll on her both physically and mentally. She expressed the challenges of constantly battling injuries and making comebacks, acknowledging the toll it has taken on her.
Kelley O’Hara’s journey with the U.S. Women’s National Team began in March 2010. While she was initially named to the 2011 World Cup roster, it was during the 2012 London Olympics that she truly broke out as a key player for the team. Playing every minute as an outside back, O’Hara’s performances contributed to the team’s gold medal win. The conversion to outside back solidified her place on the national team for years to come.
Throughout her career, O’Hara amassed over 10,000 minutes of play for the national team. With 160 appearances, three goals, and 21 assists, she has left an indelible mark on the sport. One of her most famous goals was against Germany during the 2015 World Cup semifinal, which was also her first international goal.
O’Hara’s club career has also been successful. Starting with her rookie season in WPS with FC Gold Pride, she won the championship in 2010. After FC Gold Pride folded, she joined the Boston Breakers before eventually moving to the NWSL. She played for Sky Blue FC, the first version of Utah Royals FC, and the Washington Spirit. In 2021, she finally achieved her first NWSL championship with the Spirit. In January 2023, O’Hara signed with Gotham FC, the team that won the previous year’s final.
Reflecting on her decision to retire, O’Hara expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent her country and wear the U.S. Soccer crest. She thanked everyone who has been part of her journey and emphasized the importance of the people she has shared her achievements with.
Currently, there are no plans disclosed by either U.S. Soccer or Gotham FC to celebrate O’Hara’s retirement before the end of the 2024 season. However, it is possible that U.S. Soccer may take advantage of their upcoming match in July at Red Bull Arena to provide a send-off for O’Hara.
Kelley O’Hara’s retirement marks the end of an era in women’s soccer. Her contributions to the sport and her numerous achievements as a player have solidified her legacy. As the sport continues to evolve, new players will rise to take her place, but O’Hara will be remembered as a true icon of the game.
With her retirement, it is worth contemplating the future trends in women’s soccer. The sport has witnessed remarkable growth and recognition over the years, with increased investment and international participation. As the popularity of women’s soccer continues to soar, we can expect even more emphasis on player development, infrastructure, and increased media coverage. This opens up doors for young talents to emerge and showcase their skills on a global stage.
Furthermore, the retirement of veterans like O’Hara paves the way for fresh talent to make their mark. The competition will intensify as aspiring players strive to fill the shoes of their predecessors and carve out their own success stories. This transition ensures the perpetual growth and progress of women’s soccer.
Additionally, with advancements in technology and digital platforms, there is an opportunity for the sport to reach new fans and audiences. As the world becomes more interconnected, the accessibility and visibility of women’s soccer can be amplified through social media, live streaming, and engaging content creation. This presents exciting prospects for the sport to expand its fan base and attract supporters from all corners of the globe.
In light of these potential future trends, it is crucial for stakeholders in the industry to invest in infrastructure, provide equal opportunities for women in soccer, and continue to foster the growth of the sport. The dedication and skill demonstrated by athletes like Kelley O’Hara should serve as inspiration to cultivate talent and create an inclusive environment for women in soccer.
As we bid farewell to a legendary player, Kelley O’Hara’s retirement marks the beginning of a new chapter in the world of women’s soccer. Her impact on the sport will be remembered, and her legacy will inspire the next generation of athletes. The future holds immense potential, and it is up to us to ensure that women’s soccer continues to flourish and reach new heights.