Kelley O'Hara announced her retirement from professional soccer earlier this year, and on Sunday, the two-time World Cup champion will be celebrated and honored in NJ/NY Gotham FC's game. O'Hara was planning to play in this NWSL game as her final send-off, but was placed on NJ/NY Gotham's season-ending injury list just a few weeks ago.
O'Hara has many accolades, including an Olympic gold medal and playing in every USWNT senior world championship from 2011 through 2023.
INDIVISA takes a look back at some of the best moments from O'Hara's illustrious career.
2010 O’Hara’s professional journey begins
Kelley O’Hara kicked off her pro career when she was drafted third overall by FC Gold Pride at the 2010 WPS Draft. O’Hara’s fearless playing style was on full display as she quickly became known for her versatility and tenacity. It was a glimpse into a career that would rewrite the script for outside backs.
2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup
One cap is all O’Hara needed to make her mark on the global stage during the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She earned her first call-up to the USWNT roster, and while she didn’t clock major minutes, O’Hara was learning from the best and sharpening her skills for what was to come. From there on out, the world would know her name.
Getty Images2012 Olympics
Here’s where it gets really good. O’Hara took on a new role as an outside back and didn’t just rise to the occasion- she dominated it. Playing every single minute of the USWNT’s Olympic gold medal run? That’s no small feat. O’Hara showed us all what it means to reinvent yourself and clutch up when it matters most.
Getty Images2013 Welcome NWSL
O’Hara found a new home at Sky Blue FC with the launch of the NWSL. She brought her world-class grit to the domestic stage, showing that the future of women’s soccer was in good hands. The league was finding its footing, but this world-class defender was already running the show - another chapter in her legendary career.
Getty Images2015 First career international goal
Go big or go home, right? Kelley O’Hara doesn’t do anything small, so naturally her first international goal came in the 2015 World Cup semifinal against Germany. This cool, calm, and collected finish that sent the U.S. to the final cemented O’Hara’s place in U.S. soccer history.
Getty2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup
O’Hara was the playmaker of the 2019 World Cup. Her pinpoint cross to Christen Press against England was nothing short of magic. The precision, the timing? Chills. The go-ahead goal pushed the U.S. one step closer to the championship - which they secured, of course, earning this iconic defender her second World Cup title.
Getty Images2021 O’Hara helps Spirit earn club’s first NWSL title
We all love a late-game hero, and O’Hara played that role to perfection in 2021. In the 97th minute of extra time, with Washington Spirit's first-ever NWSL title on the line, O’Hara scored the game-winning goal. Handled a long cross from Trinity Rodman? Headed it past the keeper? No big deal, just O’Hara doing what she does best - showing up when it counts and making history.
Getty Images2022 A homecoming
O’Hara returned to where it all began in 2022, NJ/NY Gotham FC, formerly Sky Blue FC. After more than a decade of global success, O’Hara brought her leadership back to the city where she first lit up the NWSL. A full-circle moment, and the perfect place for her story to come to a close.
Getty2023 Last call-up
The 2023 World Cup was her final dance with the USWNT. While the tournament didn’t end with a trophy, O’Hara’s legacy had already been solidified. Her resilience and fierce determination were on full display as she bid farewell to the international stage.
You brought us to tears, Kelley.
O’hara, without a doubt, left a huge mark on soccer history. As we celebrate her career, she deserves all of our praise not only for her contributions on the pitch - but her commitment to pushing boundaries and showing the world what it means to be a strong woman in sport.