Goal.com
Live
Celia Balf

Celia Balf

Senior Editor, Women’s Soccer

I'm a women’s soccer writer who has been covering the USWNT and iterations of the NWSL for more than a decade. As a former Division 1 soccer player, collegiate coach, and mentor for young athletes, I’ve found a way to weave my deep connection and understanding of the sport into storytelling, with a purpose. I am equally obsessed with the X’s and O’s of soccer as I am with the cultural revolution players like Trinity Rodman have made with their hair and viral celebrations. 

My football story: I have a vivid memory of my dad running back and forth in the living room with an Arsenal flag, my brother claiming the name ‘Henry’ because of Thierry Henry, and my household being an Arsenal-only home. Sure, I was born into it, but on the women’s side, I grew up obsessing over Alex Scott’s outside-back rapidness on the wing, and Kelly Smith’s filthy goals – both of which played in the U.S. for the Boston Breakers way back when. I would go to every single one of the Breakers home games and gawk over the former Arsenal Women's players.  

Areas of expertise:

  • American women’s soccer stories
  • USWNT and NWSL features 
  • Tactical insight 

Favorite footballing memory: I sat at a table with Megan Rapinoe, Kelley O’Hara, and Carli Lloyd days after they won the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Journalists were invited to the homecoming celebration in downtown Los Angeles following the tournament. I somehow, at the ripe age of 18 or so, ended up at a table alongside one of the greatest soccer journalists of all time, Grant Wahl. As the roundtable of questions and answers began, Wahl looked at me, sweating, anxious, and avoiding eye contact at all costs to my idols, and said “Would you like to ask the first question?” I proceeded to take a deep breath and asked probably the stupidest question, ever, yet, that moment will forever be one of my favorites. RIP to Grant Wahl, and thank you for creating spaces for young up-and-coming journalists to speak.

My All-Time XI: Hope Solo, Lucy Bronze, Wendie Renard, Becky Sauerbrunn, Kelley O’Hara, Michelle Akers, Julie Ertz, Aitana Bonmati, Marta, Mia Hamm, Kelly Smith

Favorite stories I've written: 

• Rapinoe's No. 15 Reign FC jersey is retired, her impact will forever be a part of Seattle
• Inside Emma Hayes' brilliant soccer mind, strategy and focus on common goals
• USWNT and NWSL stars to express surprise and admiration for Crystal Dunn following retirement

Articles by Celia Balf
  7. Trinity Rodman GFXGOAL
    Women's footballNWSL

    Trinity Rodman resigns with Spirit on NWSL-record deal

    U.S. international Trinity Rodman has agreed to a three-year deal to remain with the Washington Spirit, ending months of uncertainty surrounding her future. The agreement follows the NWSL’s introduction of the High Impact Player rule, though it remains unclear whether Rodman will be formally classified under the designation once it takes effect in July.

  10. Trinity Rodman
    NWSLWashington Spirit

    NWSLPA files a formal grievance against the NWSL

    The National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA) filed a grievance against the NWSL's implementation of the “High Impact Player" (HIP) Rule. The NWSLPA states that the HIP violates the terms of the collective bargaining agreement and federal labor law. This is the second grievance filed by the NWSLPA against the league.

NewerOlder