Kelley O'Hara, a renowned defender and fierce competitor for the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT), has officially announced her retirement from professional soccer. The retirement will be effective at the end of the 2024 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) season.

Throughout her illustrious career, O'Hara represented the USA in four World Cups and three Olympic Games, showcasing her grit and determination on the field. One of her most memorable moments came in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup semifinal, where she scored the game-clinching goal against Germany, propelling her team to the final, which they eventually won against Japan.

O'Hara's contributions to the USWNT were not limited to that exceptional goal. In the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, she played a pivotal role in helping the USA secure their fourth title, playing six out of seven matches and assisting on Christen Press' dramatic semifinal header goal against England.

Known for her intensity and tenacity, O'Hara amassed an impressive record during her USWNT career. She earned 160 caps, making her the 21st most capped player in U.S. history, and spent over 10,000 minutes on the field, joining an exclusive group of just 23 female players to achieve this milestone. Her versatility was evident as she transitioned from an attacking position to outside back in 2012, becoming a key player in the team's success.

Injuries hindered O'Hara towards the later stages of her career, but she still managed to make the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup team and participate in two matches. This achievement made her one of only 12 players to have appeared in four Women's World Cups for the USWNT. O'Hara also captained the team on four occasions during her remarkable 14-year international career.

Before her international success, O'Hara showcased her talents at the youth level, scoring twice at the 2006 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup and becoming one of the leading scorers for the U.S. U-20s. She also played for various youth national teams, leaving a mark with her goal-scoring abilities.

Beyond her national team commitments, O'Hara had a successful club career as well. She had the privilege of playing in the Women's Professional Soccer (WPS), winning a title with FC Gold Pride in 2010. She continued her career in the NWSL, representing the Boston Breakers, Sky Blue FC, Utah Royals, Washington Spirit, and eventually returning to NJ/NY Gotham FC for her final two professional seasons. O'Hara achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first-ever NWSL free agent to sign with a club.

In addition to her accomplishments on the field, O'Hara also ventured into the media industry, launching a popular podcast in collaboration with Just Women's Sports. Today, she chose to announce her retirement through a "Kelley on the Street" video, showcasing her evolution as a multifaceted athlete.

As Kelley O'Hara hangs up her boots, she leaves behind a legacy of determination, skill, and exceptional teamwork. As construction begins on the new U.S. Soccer National Training Center in her hometown of Peachtree City, Georgia, O'Hara's contributions to the sport will continue to inspire future generations of soccer players.