Gotham FC, the reigning NWSL champion, will be making history as the first NWSL team to visit the White House for a championship celebration. President Joe Biden is set to welcome the team on Monday, bringing together last season’s squad, which includes retired player Ali Krieger.
Reflecting on this monumental moment, Krieger expressed her excitement to The Athletic, stating, “I’m thrilled that the NWSL is receiving recognition at the White House, and I am proud that we are the inaugural NWSL championship team to be celebrated. This is a significant moment for the team and for our league as a whole.”
While the U.S. women’s national team has been honored at the White House for their World Cup victories, only one women’s professional soccer team, Sky Blue FC in 2010, has had the privilege during President Obama’s first term in office. Now, 14 years later, Gotham FC will have their moment of recognition.
Krieger and Gotham FC investor Carolyn Tisch Blodgett highlighted the team’s remarkable journey from worst to first, emphasizing their hard-fought path to the championship last season.
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The Athletic’s American soccer team of 2023: NJ/NY Gotham FC
Both Krieger and Tisch Blodgett view this White House visit as an opportunity to elevate the NWSL and women’s sports as a whole, aiming to place the league on par with major sports leagues like the NFL, MLB, and WNBA. By setting a new standard with this acknowledgment, they hope to inspire future champions to be similarly celebrated.
This occasion is not only a historic moment for the NWSL but also a platform to advocate for increased coverage and support for women’s sports moving forward. Krieger believes it is essential to use this opportunity to promote and highlight the achievements of female athletes.
Krieger retired after the 2023 season (Ben Nichols / Getty Images)
The White House invitation comes at a busy time for Gotham FC, as they balance playoff contention, the new FIFA Club World Cup, and regular season matches. Despite their hectic schedule, the team recognizes the importance of this celebration and the opportunity to showcase their achievements.
Krieger is eagerly anticipating reuniting with her teammates to reminisce about their championship victory from 2023. While she has experienced a White House celebration before, she looks forward to this unique opportunity to represent women’s soccer on a national platform.
In closing, Krieger emphasized the ongoing need for support and recognition of women’s sports, underscoring the significance of events like the White House visit in advancing the conversation around gender equality in athletics.
