Ashlyn Harris facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Ashlyn Harris

Harris with the USWNT in May 2019
Personal information
Full name	Ashlyn Michelle Harris
Date of birth	(1985-10-19) October 19, 1985 (age 39)
Place of birth	Satellite Beach, Florida, U.S.
Height	5 ft 9 in
Playing position	Goalkeeper
Youth career
2001–2004	Satellite High School
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2009	Pali Blues	5	(0)
2010	Saint Louis Athletica	0	(0)
2010	Washington Freedom	9	(0)
2011–2012	Western New York Flash	18	(0)
2012–2013	FCR 2001 Duisburg	8	(0)
2013–2015	Washington Spirit	46	(0)
2013	→ Tyresö FF (loan)	7	(0)
2016–2021	Orlando Pride	82	(0)
2022	Gotham FC	8	(0)
Total		183	(0)
National team
2000–2004	United States U-19	39	(0)
2005–2006	United States U-21
2013–2020	United States	25	(0)
Honours FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship Gold 2002 Canada Team Bronze 2004 Thailand Team FIFA Women's World Cup Gold 2015 Canada Team Gold 2019 France Team
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Ashlyn Michelle Harris (born October 19, 1985) is an American former soccer player. She was a talented goalkeeper.

She played for the United States women's national soccer team. She first played for the senior team on March 11, 2013. Ashlyn was part of the teams that won the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada and the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France.

Harris played college soccer for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. She helped her team win three national championships. As a professional, Harris played for several teams. These included the Saint Louis Athletica, Washington Freedom, and Western New York Flash. She also played in Germany for FCR 2001 Duisburg and in Sweden for Tyresö FF. Later, she joined Washington Spirit, Orlando Pride, and Gotham FC in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

Ashlyn Harris's Early Life and High School Soccer

Ashlyn Harris was born in Cocoa Beach, Florida. She grew up with her older brother, Chris. She enjoyed skateboarding and surfing with him and his friends.

Until she was 14, Ashlyn played club soccer on boys' teams. She played for Palm Bay Rangers and South Brevard United. Later, she joined the Seminole Ice girls' team. In 2003, her U-17 Indialantic Force team won the state championship.

Harris went to Satellite High School in Satellite Beach, Florida. She played soccer there and helped her team win state championships in 2002 and 2003. After her senior year, she was named the top recruit in the nation by Soccer America. She also won the 2004 Gatorade Player of the Year award. Ashlyn was a four-time Parade Magazine All-American. She was the first girl to be named to four straight Parade All-American soccer teams.

College Soccer Career at North Carolina

Playing for the Tar Heels, 2006–2009

Harris joined the University of North Carolina Tar Heels soccer team. She delayed starting college to play in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in 2004. In 2005, she had a thumb injury during practice.

Harris with the Tar Heels during the NCAA final against Notre Dame on December 3, 2006

Later in 2005, Harris tore a ligament in her right knee. This kept her from playing the whole 2005 season. After recovering, she tore a ligament in her left knee in June 2006. Despite these injuries, she returned for the 2006 NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Tournament in November. She played as a substitute in all six tournament games. This included the championship game, which UNC won 2–1 against Notre Dame.

In 2007, Harris played through a hip injury. She shared goalkeeper duties with Anna Rodenbough. They would take turns starting games and playing half of each match. Harris played in 19 games that season. UNC lost in the third round of the 2007 NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Tournament.

The 2008 season was the first time Harris was healthy all year. She continued to share goalkeeper duties with Rodenbough. Harris played in 27 games. UNC won the 2008 NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Tournament championship game 2–1 against Notre Dame.

In 2009, Harris became the main goalkeeper. She started all 25 games she played. She allowed only 10 goals in 25 games. UNC won the 2009 NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Tournament by beating Stanford 1–0 in the final.

College Career Summary

Ashlyn Harris's Professional Club Career

Pali Blues: Starting Out in 2009

In April 2009, Harris joined the Pali Blues in the W-League. This league allowed college players to play during the summer. Harris played in five games for the Pali Blues. The team had a perfect regular season. They then won the W-League Championship, beating Washington Freedom 2–1.

Saint Louis Athletica and Washington Freedom: 2010 Season

Harris with Saint Louis Athletica in 2010

Harris was drafted by Saint Louis Athletica in January 2010. She trained with top goalkeepers like Hope Solo. However, Saint Louis Athletica stopped playing due to money problems in May 2010. Harris did not play in any games for them.

She then signed with the Washington Freedom in June 2010. The starting goalkeeper, Erin McLeod, got injured. This made Harris the new starting goalkeeper. She played her first game for the Freedom on July 28, 2010. Harris played in the remaining seven regular season games. She helped the Freedom reach the playoffs. They lost 1–0 to the Philadelphia Independence in the first round.

Western New York Flash: Championship Win in 2011

In December 2010, the Western New York Flash joined the WPS league. Harris signed with them shortly after. She played in the team's first game on April 17, 2011. Harris played in 18 regular season games. She helped the Flash finish first in the league.

Harris started in the 2011 WPS Championship game. It was against the Philadelphia Independence. The game was tied after extra time, so it went to penalty kicks. Harris blocked a shot by Philadelphia's Laura del Rio. This won the championship for the Flash. She was named the 2011 Coast Guard Goalkeeper of the Year.

FCR 2001 Duisburg: Playing in Germany in 2012

The WPS league stopped playing in January 2012. In June, Harris signed a two-year contract with FCR 2001 Duisburg in Germany. This was a top women's soccer league. She played her first game on October 3, 2012, and kept a clean sheet (no goals allowed). She played in eight games for Duisburg.

Washington Spirit: Return to the U.S. in 2013

In January 2013, Harris was assigned to the Washington Spirit for the new National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). She left her German club to play in the NWSL. She started in the Spirit's first game on April 14. In 18 games for the Spirit in 2013, she made 84 saves. The Spirit finished last and did not make the playoffs.

Tyresö FF: Short Loan in Sweden in 2013

Harris (top, middle) with Tyresö FF in 2013

In July 2013, Harris joined the Swedish club Tyresö FF for a short time. She played with other U.S. national team players there. She played her first game for Tyresö on August 21, 2013. She played in seven league games and four UEFA Women's Champions League games. Harris left Sweden in December to return to the Washington Spirit.

Washington Spirit: 2014–2015 Seasons

Harris rejoined the Washington Spirit for the 2014 season. She started all 19 games she played. In a game against the Chicago Red Stars in August, Harris got a concussion. She missed two games but returned for the playoffs. The Spirit lost in the semifinals. Harris was nominated for NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year in 2014.

In 2015, Harris missed almost half of the NWSL season. This was because she was playing with the U.S. national team in the FIFA Women's World Cup. She returned to the Spirit in late July. She played in nine regular season games. The Spirit made the playoffs but lost in the semifinals again.

Harris with the Orlando Pride during a match against WNY Flash at Sahlen's Stadium on June 11, 2016.

Orlando Pride: 2016–2021 Seasons

The Orlando Pride became the tenth NWSL team in October 2015. The Washington Spirit left Harris unprotected in the draft, so Orlando Pride chose her. Harris played her first game for the Pride on April 17, 2016.

Harris was named NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year in 2016. She made 62 saves and was named to the 2016 NWSL Best XI team. In 2017, she played in 14 games. She missed 8 weeks due to a quad injury. Orlando finished third and made the playoffs, but lost in the semifinal.

Harris with Orlando Pride in June 2018.

In 2018, Harris played 21 games. She had 4 clean sheets and 70 saves. Orlando finished in seventh place. In 2019, she won the NWSL Save of the Week award.

During the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup, Harris saved penalties in two games in a row. On August 29, 2021, Harris set a new NWSL record. She made her 469th career save, which was the most in NWSL history at that time.

NJ/NY Gotham FC: Final Season in 2022

On December 6, 2021, Harris was traded to Gotham FC. This trade included Ali Krieger, another player. On November 14, 2022, Ashlyn Harris announced she was retiring from professional soccer.

Ashlyn Harris's International Career

Youth National Teams: 2000–2006

Harris played for the United States U-16, U-17, and U-19 national teams starting in 2000.

Under-19 Women's National Team

Harris played 11 games for the U-19 team in 2001. In 2002, she played in a tournament to qualify for the first FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship. She started all three games and helped the U.S. qualify.

At 16, Harris was the youngest player on the U.S. team for the 2002 FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship in Canada. She started all six games. She helped the U.S. win the championship by beating Canada 1–0 in overtime. Harris had eight clean sheets in 15 games for the U-19 team in 2002.

In 2003, Harris played for both the U-19 and U-21 teams. She helped the U-21 team win the Nordic Cup in Denmark. In 2004, Harris was captain of the U-19 team. She played every minute of all six games at the 2004 FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship in Thailand. The U.S. finished in third place. Harris was named to the Tournament All-Star Team. She ended her U-19 career with 39 games played, more than any other U.S. player.

Under-21 Women's National Team

Harris was called up to the U-21 team in 2005 and 2006. However, she suffered two more ACL injuries during these training camps. These injuries kept her off the field for a long time.

Senior National Team: 2009–2020

Harris got her first call-up to the senior national team in September 2009. This was her first time training with a national team since her injuries in 2006. She was called into more training camps in 2010 and 2011. She was a backup goalkeeper for tournaments like the 2011 Algarve Cup.

In 2012, Harris injured her left shoulder. She had surgery, which kept her from playing for the rest of the year.

Harris with the United States women's national soccer team in June 2014

In January 2013, Harris returned to the national team after her surgery. She was named to the roster for the 2013 Algarve Cup. On March 11, 2013, Harris played her first game for the senior team against Sweden. She played the whole game, which ended in a 1–1 tie. Her coach, Tom Sermanni, praised her performance. Harris said she had "waited a long time for [that] moment." She played her second game against the Netherlands in April.

In December 2013, Harris had surgery on her left knee. She returned to the national team in 2014. On June 19, 2014, she played her third game for the national team against France. She played all 90 minutes in a 2–2 tie.

Harris was named to the roster for the 2014 CONCACAF Women's Championship. This tournament helped teams qualify for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. On October 20, 2014, she played her fourth game for the national team. She recorded her first clean sheet in a 6–0 win against Haiti. The United States won the tournament.

Harris with the United States women's national soccer team before a match against England in 2015

In February 2015, Harris played her fifth game for the national team against France. She also played against England, getting her sixth game and a clean sheet in a 1–0 win.

On April 14, 2015, Harris was named to the team for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. This was her first World Cup. On July 5, the United States won the World Cup by beating Japan 5–2. Harris became a World Cup Champion. She also played in some games during the team's Victory Tour after the World Cup.

In 2016, Harris was named an alternate for the Olympic Games. After the 2016 Olympics, Harris and Alyssa Naeher competed for the starting goalkeeper spot. They shared playing time for the rest of 2016. In 2017, Naeher became the main goalkeeper. Harris played in 3 games for the U.S. due to a quad injury.

In 2018, Harris continued as the backup goalkeeper to Alyssa Naeher. She was on the team for the 2018 CONCACAF Women's Championship. On May 1, 2019, Harris was named to the team for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. In 2020, she was on the team that qualified for the Tokyo Olympics. She was also named to the SheBelieves Cup 2020 team.

Ashlyn Harris's Personal Life

Ashlyn Harris is known for her unique style and many tattoos. She enjoys fashion, music, surfing, and skateboarding. In 2017, she became the first female brand ambassador for Umbro, a sports company.

Harris has spoken about her past challenges and how she overcame them. She supports a non-profit organization called To Write Love on Her Arms, which helps people with mental health. She has also spoken about the importance of fair pay and conditions for female athletes.

In December 2016, Harris traveled to Liberia as part of a U.S. State Department program. She helped support women's sports and worked with students at the Monrovia Football Academy.

Harris was married to former USWNT teammate Ali Krieger. They announced their engagement in March 2019 and married on December 28, 2019. They adopted their daughter in February 2021 and their son in August 2022.

Ashlyn Harris's Career Statistics

Ashlyn Harris's Honors and Awards

North Carolina Tar Heels

• NCAA Women's Soccer Championship: 2006, 2008, 2009

Western New York Flash

• Women's Professional Soccer Championship: 2011

United States U20

• CONCACAF Women's U-19 Qualifying Tournament: 2002
• FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship: 2002

United States

• FIFA Women's World Cup: 2015, 2019
• CONCACAF Women's Championship: 2014, 2018
• CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament: 2016; 2020
• Algarve Cup: 2011, 2013, 2015
• SheBelieves Cup: 2016, 2018, 2020
• Tournament of Nations: 2018

Individual

• National Soccer Coaches Association of America Player of the Year: 2004
• NSCAA All-American: 2001–2004
• Parade Magazine All-American: 2001–2004
• Parade Magazine Player of the Year: 2004
• Gatorade Player of the Year: 2004
• NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year: 2016
• NWSL Best XI: 2016
• WPS Goalkeeper of the Year: 2011
• WPS Best XI: 2011

Images for kids

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  Harris with the USWNT in May 2019

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  Harris with the Tar Heels during the NCAA final against Notre Dame on December 3, 2006

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  Harris with Saint Louis Athletica in 2010

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  Harris (top, middle) with Tyresö FF in 2013

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  Harris with the Orlando Pride during a match against WNY Flash at Sahlen's Stadium on June 11, 2016.

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  Harris with Orlando Pride in June 2018.

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  Harris with the United States women's national soccer team in June 2014

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  Harris with the United States women's national soccer team before a match against England in 2015

See also

In Spanish: Ashlyn Harris para niños