Hope Solo
Hope Solo
Hope Amelia Solois an American soccer goalkeeper, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a World Cup gold medalist. She has been goalkeeping for the United States women's national soccer team since 2000. After playing at the collegiate level for the University of Washington, she played professionally for the Philadelphia Charge in the Women's United Soccer Association. When the WUSA folded after her first season, she traveled to Europe to play for the top division leagues in Sweden and France. From...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionSoccer Player
Date of Birth30 July 1981
CityRichland, WA
CountryUnited States of America
I know that I'm breaking down barriers. And I know that in the end I'm doing a great thing.
I put all of my energy into building the game and giving women opportunities and, to put everything into it and then to be deemed selfish or not a good team player or outspoken, it's been hard. But at the same time, I'm going to get the critics and I know that.
One thing I've learned through all the ups and downs is that if you're doing things right, then you have a core group of people. Not just a core group like your homies or your buddies, but a group of people that has a good influence on you, who you respect and admire, and you know that if they're on your side, you're doing something right.
I've learned that winning isn't everything, and it's more about the journey. But at the end of the day, I just want to stand on the podium with the gold medal.
I don't need a captain's band to lead a team to victory.
I think every athlete has their window of opportunity, and you just have to jump on it. You never know when it can end. So I'm just trying to live large while I have the opportunity.
Growing up, I felt insecure about my build. I didn't feel very feminine. But as time went on, I learned to completely embrace my body.
I live for competition. It makes my life complete.
I have a problem with players who don't take the loss personally. At a professional level you should - it's our job, it's our livelihood, it's who we are at this level. Every loss should be taken that personal.
Everybody should be affected by their own realities in their own lives, their own struggles in their own lives. It makes us who we are, and we all know that.
When the Olympics and World Cups come around, that's when you see the real outpouring of support that there really is for female football.
Athletes are extremists. When they're training, it's laser focus.
In front of the world, all of a sudden I'm a great athlete and I'm put into an environment with 25 other women and I'm expected to go to team meals, team functions.
Every athlete acquires routines as a way to help control nerves.