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.
There are no shortcuts. If you feel good, you'll look good, you'll play good. Work hard every day. No matter what your strengths and weaknesses, there's no substitute for hard work.
I just want to stay in my hotel room, read my book. I enjoy that private time.
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.
I take everything with a grain of salt.
I couldn't have been a great goalkeeper without power, agility and quickness.
I am proud of who I am, and nobody's going to steal that.
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.