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Theres not a lot US Womens National Team defender Ali Krieger hasnt done.
Devon Cafaro/Gotham FC
Womens sports are rarely just about the game, and Kriegers career has been no exception.
Were not settling anymore for just being grateful.
We fought for something bigger than ourselves.
Devon Cafaro/Gotham FC
When Krieger graduated from Penn State University, there was no professional womens soccer league in the United States.
If you’re not involved now, you’re definitely going to be missing out, Krieger says.
Its fitting then that Krieger is ending her playing career with the 2023 NWSL season.
Ali Krieger:It definitely builds character.
You want to win everything.
This league is going in such an incredible direction that people should want to be a part of it.
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That will always be a fight.
We’re starting to see a lot more moms in sports, which is awesome.
It’s been incredible, and then exhausting all at the same time.
I’m really, really happy to be a mom.
I don’t even remember what I did without kids.
Like, what was I doing?
Just sitting on my couch and watching Netflix and hanging out?
You start to really live in this state of exhaustion.
I need to be 100% for my kids when I walk through that door every day.
Moms in sports have historically been so rarenot for lack of desire or capability but for lack of support.
How has that looked for you as a mom?
For [my wife Ashlyn Harris] and I, it’s been extremely difficult.
My mom and our nanny for our kids, they’re a part of the Gotham family.
We really feel that.
I’m not sure every club does that.
Because I think you’re free to do both.
Your wife Ashlyn is now the creative director for Gotham FC after retiring from her playing career.
Whats next for you after your final season as a player?
So I definitely want to stay in the game and impact it off the field.
I also want to just take time for myself.
What would make this last season with Gotham a success for you?
And I want to continue to create a safe space for people to just feel like themselves.
Because that’s how you get the best out of peoplewhen they’re themselves.
