USWNT Legend Kelley O’Hara to retire at the end of NWSL season By Mackenzie Meaney
U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team player Kelley O’Hara announced her retirement at the end of the NWSL season in one of the most Kelley O’Hara ways possible— through an episode of her Just Women’s Sports series “Kelley on the Street.”
It was fitting that her goofy personality showed through as she asked people questions about when athletes should retire before officially announcing the news. She has been the subject of many silly USWNT team videos, including my personal favorite of her, Alex Morgan, and former teammate Megan Rapinoe sitting in then-ESPN Katie Nolan’s car after soccer practice.
All the silliness and jokes aside, O’Hara will be missed internationally and at the NWSL level. Her impact on the field and the sidelines has been felt throughout her career, marked by her fierce competitiveness, aggressive defending and being a good teammate. O’Hara was one of the few players you could put in any position, and she would excel. That type of Swiss Army knife ability is uncommon and will be missed with O’Hara’s retirement.
O’Hara played professional soccer for over a decade. After graduating from Stanford in 2009, she was drafted third overall to the now-defunct Women’s Professional Soccer League. She then joined the NWSL in 2010, playing for four teams over her career. Sky Blue FC (Now NY/NJ Gotham FC), Utah Royals FC, Washington Spirit and Gotham again. She has won two NWSL titles and one WPS title.
Internationally, O’Hara has had 160 caps for the UWSNT, winning two FIFA Women’s World Cups, an Olympic gold medal and a bronze medal.
But her impact is more than just those wins and appearances. She has been a constant on the USWNT's ever-rotating roster. She has been part of the highest highs and the lowest lows. Her presence in the video and podcasting space proved that athletes don’t need to join the desk and talk about things that don’t matter (I am looking at you, Carli Lloyd.) Her inspiration to others, her drive to be better, her goofy tendencies, and her ability to put her head down and get the job done is what people will remember about Kelley O’Hara. It is what makes her retiring so sad. We are possibly seeing the end of the reign of the world's most dominant women’s soccer team, and O’Hara was the next to announce her departure.
It is a reminder that not all good things last forever. Things end, people age, sports change, and a million other variables. We can look back at a stellar career, laugh at her funniest moments, and see what the future holds for her and the USWNT. Her presence will surely be missed, but she gave every fan something to cheer for, and that is special.