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Carli LloydTST
Celia BalfJun 4, 2025C. LloydUSA

'Loving the game again' - USWNT legend Carli Lloyd refreshed, reconnected to the sport and ready for comeback at TST

Carli Lloyd set to play at TST with a newfound perspective as a mother and time away from the game

CARY, N.C. - There she was, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, two-time Women's World Cup champion and two-time FIFA Player of the Year, snacking on some trail mix ahead of her first practice with her team, US Women, for this year's TST 7v7 competition.

Carli Lloyd's manner was calm and focused, mentioning to teammate Heather O'Reilly that she didn't want to be late to training. Arriving at WakeMed Soccer Park on match day minus-one, she made time for some eager media members.

It wasn't so long ago fans everywhere were celebrating her illustrious career for the U.S. women's national team. Lloyd retired from professional soccer in 2021, and recently was inducted into US Soccer's Hall of Fame. Her speech at the ceremony revealed a side that not many had seen before; she was emotional, reflective, and apologetic.

After all, her journey was frequently covered, but not always understood. Lloyd said on Tuesday that she feels reconnected with the game.

"You go through those couple years after you play, or at least I did of just, you know, obviously trying to get pregnant and then wanting to live life," Lloyd told INDIVISA. "But, now I feel like I'm back loving the game again."

  • TST

    'Nice goal and motivator'

    In October, Lloyd gave birth to her first child, Harper Ann Hollins. Eight months after giving birth, Lloyd decided to reunite with some of her former teammates to play in this year's TST. She admitted having this date circled on the calendar was a good motivator for her, post-pregnancy.

    "I had my daughter in October, so this has been kind of a nice goal and motivator," she said. "But, look, I'm not in my playing tip-top shape!"

    Lloyd certainly looked the part. Her US Women training kit fit nicely, and her first touch at training was far from rusty.

    "I'm just looking forward to taking it slow and steady this week," she said.

    When asked if her daughter would be in attendance, Lloyd smiled and said "Yes, yes, she's here. My dad is here looking after her, because my husband had a conflict."

    Lloyd's eyes lit up when asked if Harper has any idea what she's about to witness.

    "She's got no idea," Lloyd said, laughing. "She's been to the Hall of Fame recently, she's been to one of my soccer clinics that I did in December, and now she's here!"

  • Getty Images

    'Carli for sure'

    Although Harper may have no idea what it is like to watch her mother, a legend, take the field, Lloyd's former teammates couldn't be more excited for her return.

    Ali Krieger, who hasn't played with Lloyd since 2020, couldn't hold back her excitement for seeing her - and playing with her again. Krieger retired from professional soccer in 2023, but has stayed close to the sport working as a an analyst for ESPN.

    She is also Gotham FC's first club ambassador. When asked what player she is particularly excited to play with this year, she quickly answered, "Carli for sure, just because she's back after pregnancy, and we haven't played together for awhile since maybe 2020, 2019."

    Krieger was also dialed in ahead of training, but hadn't seen Lloyd yet, so was eager to be reunited with her former teammate.

    "I'm happy to be back playing with my former teammates and just having fun, getting together again and hopefully winning," she said.