The Legacy of Angela Salem

Athletic success cannot be solely defined by wins, personal statistics, or awards. In the words of Booker T. Washington, “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which one has overcome.”

In that sense, Angela Salem embodies success. Salem, a midfield player, announced her retirement from professional soccer in February 2022, following a career spanning 12 years. Salem left an enduring impact on women’s professional soccer despite the years of challenges and adversity.

Salem’s Professional Soccer Journey

Angela Salem played collegiately at Francis Marion University, where she was the team’s MVP during her sophomore and junior years.

After graduating, Salem signed her first professional contract with Sky Blue in 2010, becoming the first female alumna from Francis Marion University to play professional soccer. Salem helped Sky Blue win the 2010 WPS Championship in her rookie season.

From that point, Salem’s career would traverse a rocky road as women’s soccer in the United States was in its infancy.

Here is a brief look at Salem’s professional resume:

• Sky Blue (Women’s Professional Soccer) 2010
• Aland United (Naisten Liiga) 2011
• Atlanta Beat (WPS) 2011
• Western New York Flash (WPSL Elite) 2012
• Newcastle Jets (Australian W-League) 2012–13
• Western New York Flash (NWSL Inaugural season) 2013–2014
• Newcastle Jets (Australian W-League) 2014
• Washington Spirit (NWSL) 2015
• Boston Breakers (NWSL) 2016, 2017
• Portland Thorns (NWSL) 2018–2021

Over the course of nine seasons in the NWSL, Salem played in 133 matches and earned several honors:

As a member of the Portland Thorns, Salem won the 2020 Community Shield, 2021 NWSL Shield, 2021 Challenge Cup, and the 2021 Women’s International Champions Cup. In addition, in 2021, Salem received the NWSL Best XI award recognizing the league’s top-11 players each year.

Angela Salem’s Legacy

Early in Angela Salem’s professional career, players earned a nominal salary with no contract guarantees beyond their current season. As a result, players struggled to make ends meet, often living with host families and squeezing in coaching clinics to pay for expenses.

As of 2022, NWSL players earn a minimum salary of $35,000, four percent increases each season, benefits including housing, retirement contributions, paid parental leave, and mental health provisions.

While salaries and compensation have a long way to go, it is a far cry from the beginnings of Salem’s career. Nevertheless, Salem’s sacrifices helped make the NWSL a viable league and paved the way for younger generations to earn a living playing women’s professional soccer.

Salem is proud of the ever-evolving NWSL, “Just having that CBA [Collective Bargaining Agreement]in place will be the most [significant change] ever… It embodies everything that the [NWSL] has needed.”

Salem’s success lies in her resolve to overcome obstacles such as relocations, moving expenses, low pay, search for supplemental income, transitions to new clubs, failed leagues, an ACL injury, and a covid canceled season.

For Salem, the challenges were worth the effort to play the game she loved, to advance professional women’s soccer, and create more opportunities for young girls in the future.

Featured image via Getty Images

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