Ah, Galentine’s Day. The designated day for honoring all female friendships. Although Galentine’s Day is officially on February 13, celebrating friendship should be done year-round.
In that spirit, we turn to women’s soccer, where the players give us plenty of wholesome moments that make us feel all giddy inside. So grab a tissue or a box of them, and let’s cry together over some of the best heart-filling moments that women’s soccer friendships have brought us.
“Snacks” Sisters
USWNT and KC Current teammates Samantha Mewis and Lynn Williams have a friendship worth being jealous over. The besties and co-hosts of the podcast “Snacks” have played with each other since the start of their professional careers.
BREAKING: THE BAND IS BACK TOGETHER.@lynnraenie has been traded to @thekccurrent and will re-join her Snacks co-host @sammymewy on the pitch.
The special episode of Snacks is live! https://t.co/EMf6MRdaM1 pic.twitter.com/Uay4JI6sjQ
— Just Women’s Sports (@justwsports) January 10, 2022
So, when Mewis got traded to Kansas City in November, Williams was not happy. In a turn of events some would call fate, she got traded to KC shortly after. Williams revealed the surprise to Mewis on their podcast, leading to one of the sweetest moments in the history of friendship. Hello, ugly cry face.
From game day to wedding day
Being a part of one’s wedding is so intimate that only ~true~ friends get to be involved. Former Houston Dash player Gabby Kessler (Seiler) and teammate Shea Groom showed their true friend status late last year.
Kessler–who recently retired from pro soccer–got married, and Groom was at the wedding to celebrate. Witnessing two people profess their love for each other is so pure, and Groom’s presence there proved the value of their friendship.
Kessler also had her former Portland Thorns teammate Kelli Hubly in her bridal party. My heart can’t handle all these friendships!
In good times and in bad
In November 2021, Portland Thorns goalkeeper Bella Bixby revealed her father’s passing in a heartbreaking statement posted on social media. Her friends on the field immediately showed their support for her during the difficult time.
❤️you Bella. Your father would be so proud of you. Not the result we wanted, but it is an honor to be on this team. Thank you Rose City for all the love and support this year. #BAONPDX https://t.co/6oIFeiDmQZ
— Christine Sinclair (@sincy12) November 15, 2021
Teammates Becky Sauerbrunn and Christine Sinclair were just a few who showered Bixby with words of encouragement. A loss is never easy, but knowing your friends are there to offer you a shoulder to cry on is touching.
Dancing with the stars
When Trinity Rodman isn’t making bank with the richest contract in NWSL history, she’s giving her TikTok followers quality dance videos. Some of said videos feature cameos of her pro soccer friends.
The best moment thus far (yes, I’m keeping track) was when Emily Sonnet appeared and showed off her insane moves. Of course, playing with Sonnet is a whole thing in itself, but having her dance with you on camera? Priceless.
@trinity.rodman?♬ original sound – musicquotes
Seriously though, they both have another career option should they ever want it.
Literally any USWNT moment
Playing for the USWNT is one of the greatest honors and achievements of a professional player’s career. That’s why it’s so heartwarming to witness the players’ support each other.
They’ve given us everything from celebrating Olympic wins to admiring Carli Lloyd’s remarkable career at her retirement. They celebrate each other’s achievements and birthdays and console each other after losses or injuries.
The friendships that have been forged among current and former players give us plenty to enjoy. It’s truly as if teammates become family when they put on that jersey. I love to see it!
This Galentine’s Day, and every day really, take the time to celebrate your soccer friendships. Give all the socceristas in your life some extra love!
Featured image via @USWNT on Instagram
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