Kelley O’Hara is a distinguished former professional soccer player who made a significant impact on the field as a member of the United States national team and in various club leagues. Over her illustrious career, she represented the national team 160 times, contributing to two FIFA Women’s World Cup victories and an Olympic gold medal. O’Hara’s versatility allowed her to excel primarily as a wingback, while also showcasing her skills as a forward during her college years and in select professional matches.
O’Hara’s collegiate career at Stanford University was marked by exceptional achievements, including winning the Hermann Trophy in 2009, awarded to the top collegiate soccer player. She left Stanford with impressive records, scoring 57 goals and providing 32 assists. Following her graduation, O’Hara was drafted third overall by FC Gold Pride in the 2010 WPS Draft, where she helped lead the team to a WPS Championship in her rookie season. After the league’s dissolution, she continued her career with the Boston Breakers, Sky Blue FC, Utah Royals FC, and the Washington Spirit, where she scored the winning goal in the 2021 NWSL Championship.
In 2023, O’Hara returned to NJ/NY Gotham FC, winning her second NWSL Championship. Her contributions to the league were recognized when she was named to the FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11 in 2019. O’Hara’s international career spanned over a decade, participating in four Women’s World Cups and three Olympic Games, where she played a crucial role in the team’s successes.
Beyond her on-field accomplishments, O’Hara has ventured into media, launching a podcast to foster open discussions about the lives of athletes, particularly women. She has also engaged in advocacy for LGBTQIA+ representation in sports, serving as an executive producer for the short film “Ripe!” which premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival. O’Hara’s legacy in soccer is marked by her dedication, skill, and commitment to empowering others in the sport.