Kelley O'Hara

Kelley O'Hara, born on August 4, 1988, is a distinguished American former professional soccer player who left an indelible mark on the sport. Over her illustrious career, she represented the United States national team on one hundred sixty occasions, contributing to the team's triumphs in two FIFA Women's World Cups and securing an Olympic gold medal. Known for her fierce intensity and versatility, O'Hara primarily played as a wingback but also showcased her skills as a forward during her college years and occasionally in her professional career.

O'Hara's journey began at Stanford University, where she earned the prestigious Hermann Trophy in two thousand nine while playing for the Stanford Cardinal. Following her collegiate success, she played for FC Gold Pride and the Boston Breakers in Women's Professional Soccer. When the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) was established in two thousand thirteen, she joined NJ/NY Gotham FC, then known as Sky Blue FC. Her career continued with stints at Utah Royals FC and the Washington Spirit, where she scored the decisive goal in the NWSL Championship in two thousand twenty-one. O'Hara returned to Gotham FC, clinching her second NWSL Championship in two thousand twenty-three.

Internationally, O'Hara was a key player for the United States from two thousand ten to two thousand twenty-three. She participated in four Women's World Cups, including the victorious campaigns in two thousand fifteen and two thousand nineteen, and made her mark at three Olympic Games. Notably, she played every minute of the tournament during the two thousand twelve Olympics, where the U.S. team secured gold, and she also earned a bronze medal in two thousand twenty.

As she approached the end of her career, O'Hara announced her retirement from professional soccer at the conclusion of the two thousand twenty-four NWSL season. However, on September twenty-one, two thousand twenty-four, she was placed on the season-ending injury list due to chronic knee degeneration, effectively bringing her remarkable career to a close.