11 Things You Should Know About Ali Krieger
Ali Krieger recently announced that this NWSL season would be her last. After leaving such an important legacy for the U.S. Women’s National Team and the NWSL, here are eleven things you might not know about Ali Krieger.
1. A Defensive Player for Penn State
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Krieger was an essential aspect of Penn State’s defensive line. She graduated from Penn State in 2007 with a degree in advertising and public relations. Her collegiate career was extremely impressive, in which she won Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and was a three-time recipient of the Big Ten Academic Honors. Krieger was recently elected to be on the board of trustees in July and has been an active alumnus in the soccer program at Penn State.
2. She broke her leg, which led to a near-death experience
During her collegiate career at Penn State, Krieger broke her leg in a game preparing for the Big Ten Tournament. Months following her surgery, she developed blood clots related to her leg surgery and flying on a plane, causing six blood clots to travel to her lungs, resulting in a pulmonary embolism. During this, doctors said she had six mini heart attacks and easily could have died if she didn’t get treatment when she did.
3. Been a part of three World Cups
As a former player for the USWNT, Krieger has been a part of three World Cups and was crucial in the 2015 and 2019 World Cup wins. One of her most notable moments was scoring the game-winning penalty kick in the 2011 World Cup Quarter Finals.
4. Her Dad was her coach for 12 years
Krieger’s dad was her first coach, which stayed that way from ages 7-19. Her father, Ken Krueger, was a professional soccer player who ended up coaching club soccer for the Prince William Sparklers.
5. She currently plays for Gotham FC
Krieger is currently number 11 on Gotham FC after being traded from Orlando Pride in 2022. Krieger has been essential in keeping the defense together, and she has her sights set on winning the NWSL championship, so this would be the last accolade she has yet to accomplish.
6. Won the UEFA Women’s Champions League
Krieger’s professional career has been a diverse one. Following her collegiate career in 2001, Krieger joined FFC Frankfurt in Germany to play professionally. During that season, she helped lead the team to winning the Bundesliga league and the UEFA Championship. Krieger and her teammate, Gina Lewandowski, are considered the first Americans to win the UEFA championship.
7. Recovered From a Torn ACL
In 2012, Krieger’s career came to a halt after a torn ACL during an international game for the Olympic Qualifying against the Dominican Republic. Krieger spent her recovery in Germany, working intensely and unsure if she could play in the 2012 Olympics. Fortunately, her recovery went smoothly, but the roster for the Olympics was named before she could get back onto the field.
8. Involvement with non-profits
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Krieger has worked immensely on making the world a better place and, specifically the soccer field. Krieger is an ambassador for a non-profit, Athlete Ally, that works to fight transphobia and homophobia in the world of sports. She has additionally promoted MiracleFeet, a non-profit that works with kids internationally who have clubfoot.
9. Her Endorsements
Krieger has been a Nike Ambassador since 2007, but she has also worked with her longtime teammate, Sydney Leroux, on their fitness program. The Nike Training Club App is a space where people can learn their workout and fitness routines. Additionally, after undergoing a concussion, Krieger decided to partner with Unequal, which sells protective sports gear.
10. Was married to Ashlyn Harris
USWNT goalkeeper and defender Krieger and Harris got married in 2019 after they began playing soccer together in 2010. They have two children whom they adopted, Sloan and Ocean. They additionally both played for Gotham FC together.
11. She has an interest in coaching professional soccer
Krieger has expressed interest in coaching professional soccer. In 2018, she partook in a coaching license where she received her “C” license and has hopes of possibly coaching at as high of a level as the USWNT.
Featured image via @alikrieger on Instagram
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