Harrison, New Jersey – United States women’s national team and Gotham FC defender Kelley O’Hara has announced her plans to retire from professional soccer after the conclusion of the 2024 NWSL season. O’Hara, a veteran player with an illustrious career spanning over a decade, has been a key figure in four World Cup appearances, clinching victory in 2015 and 2019, and three Olympics tournaments. Additionally, she has secured a WPS championship and two NWSL championships during her time as a professional athlete.
The news of O’Hara’s retirement was shared in a heartfelt video produced for Just Women’s Sports as part of her series “Kelley on the Street.” Throughout the current season, O’Hara has faced challenges with injuries to her ankle and knee, resulting in limited playing time for Gotham FC. In an interview with Claire Watkins, O’Hara expressed the toll that recurring injuries have taken on her both physically and emotionally.
Starting her journey with the USWNT in March 2010, O’Hara’s breakthrough moment came during the 2012 London Olympics, where she played an integral role in the team’s successful gold medal campaign as an outside back. After earning the 2009 MAC Hermann Trophy as a forward at Stanford University, O’Hara transitioned to the outside back position, solidifying her place in the national team lineup for years to come.
One of O’Hara’s memorable moments with the USWNT took place during the 2015 World Cup semifinal against Germany, where she scored her first international goal. Throughout her career, she made 160 appearances for the national team, contributing three goals and 21 assists. O’Hara’s club career was equally remarkable, winning championships with various teams in the WPS and NWSL leagues.
Reflecting on her retirement, O’Hara expressed gratitude for the opportunities she had to represent her country and wear the U.S. Soccer crest. As she prepares to close this chapter of her life, she highlighted the importance of the relationships she formed and the memories created throughout her career. While U.S. Soccer and Gotham FC have not yet released plans for a formal retirement celebration, fans may have the opportunity to honor O’Hara at upcoming matches before the end of the 2024 season.