History of Hope Solo in Timeline
Hope Solo is a retired American soccer goalkeeper who played for the United States women's national team from 2000 to 2016. She achieved great success, winning a World Cup and two Olympic gold medals. Solo played college soccer at the University of Washington and professionally in the WUSA, WPS, W-League, and NWSL. Her career included stints with teams like the Philadelphia Charge, Saint Louis Athletica, Atlanta Beat, magicJack, Seattle Sounders, and Seattle Reign FC. She is considered one of the greatest female goalkeepers of all time.
July 30, 1981: Birth of Hope Solo
Hope Amelia Stevens, better known as Hope Solo, was born on July 30, 1981, in Richland, Washington.
1991: US Women's National Team's Previous World Cup Win
Prior to their win in 2015, the US Women's National Team last won the World Cup in 1991.
1996: Start of Richland High School Success
From 1996 to 1998, Hope Solo led her Richland High School team to three consecutive league titles as a forward, showcasing her talent early on.
1998: End of Richland High School Success
Hope Solo's time at Richland High School concluded in 1998, marking the end of her successful high school soccer career.
1999: Start of University of Washington Attendance
Hope Solo began attending the University of Washington in 1999, where she majored in speech communications and played for the Huskies.
April 2000: Solo's Senior National Team Debut
Hope Solo made her debut for the senior U.S. national team in April 2000.
2000: Start of US Women's National Team Career
Hope Solo began her journey with the United States women's national soccer team in 2000, marking the start of an illustrious international career.
March 7, 2002: Start of Solo's Undefeated Streak
Hope Solo's record-breaking undefeated streak as a goalkeeper for the national team began on March 7, 2002.
2002: End of University of Washington Attendance
Hope Solo's time at the University of Washington concluded in 2002.
2003: Drafted to Philadelphia Charge and WUSA Folds
Hope Solo was drafted by the Philadelphia Charge in the 2003 WUSA Draft. However, the league folded shortly after, leading her to seek opportunities in Europe.
February 2004: Playing for Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC
Hope Solo relocated to Gothenburg, Sweden, in February 2004 to join Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC in the Swedish Premier Division, gaining valuable experience playing in Europe.
2004: Solo as an Alternate at the Olympics
Hope Solo served as an alternate goalkeeper for the U.S. national team at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.
2005: Solo Becomes First-Choice Goalkeeper
Hope Solo became the primary goalkeeper for the U.S. national team in 2005.
2005: Playing for Olympique Lyonnais
In 2005, Hope Solo played for Olympique Lyonnais in the French First Division, further expanding her experience in European soccer.
June 2007: Death of Hope Solo's Father
Jeffrey Solo, Hope Solo's father, passed away in June 2007 due to a heart attack. He had been a significant influence in her life, teaching her to play soccer and maintaining a close relationship even after periods of separation.
September 29, 2007: Solo Removed from US Women's Soccer Team
On September 29, 2007, US Women's Soccer Coach Greg Ryan announced that Hope Solo would no longer be part of the team and wouldn't play in the upcoming match for third place against Norway. This came after Solo publicly criticized Ryan's decision to start Briana Scurry instead of her in a previous game.
October 20, 2007: End of US Women's Soccer 2007 Season
October 20, 2007 marked the final game for the US Women's National Soccer Team's season, concluding with a match against Mexico. Notably, Hope Solo, despite being on the World Cup roster, was absent from the games against Mexico following a disagreement related to player selection.
December 2007: Greg Ryan's Contract Expires
Greg Ryan's time as head coach of the US Women's National Soccer team ended in December 2007 when his contract was not renewed. This followed a controversial period, including Hope Solo's criticisms and subsequent removal from the team, ultimately leading to a change in leadership for the team.
2007: Controversial Benching in World Cup Semifinal
Hope Solo started as goalkeeper for the U.S. in the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup but was controversially benched for the semifinal against Brazil, which the U.S. lost.
2007: 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup
Hope Solo was the starting goalkeeper for much of the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup, leading the US to the semifinals while only allowing two goals in four games. However, her benching in the semifinal match and subsequent comments sparked controversy.
2007: Reflections on the 2007 World Cup
In 2012, Hope Solo shared her experiences and insights from the 2007 World Cup during an ESPN E:60 episode.
January 2008: US Women's Team Begins Olympic Preparation
In January 2008, the US Women's Soccer Team came together to start training for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. This marked a new phase for the team, particularly with Greg Ryan's departure as coach in December 2007, and set the stage for their Olympic journey.
June 23, 2008: Solo Announced as Starting Goalkeeper for 2008 Olympics
Hope Solo was chosen as the starting goalkeeper for the US team at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, as announced on June 23, 2008. This decision marked a significant shift from the 2004 Olympics, where Briana Scurry held the starting role and Solo was an alternate.
July 16, 2008: End of Solo's Undefeated Streak
Hope Solo's undefeated streak ended on July 16, 2008.
September 16, 2008: Allocation to Saint Louis Athletica
On September 16, 2008, Hope Solo was allocated to Saint Louis Athletica in the WPS as part of the 2008 WPS Player Allocation.
2008: Winning Olympic Gold
Hope Solo played a key role in the United States' gold medal victory at the 2008 Summer Olympics, showcasing her resilience and skill on the international stage.
April 2009: Start of Play with Saint Louis Athletica
The Women's Professional Soccer league, which Hope Solo was allocated to, began play in April 2009.
2009: Joining Women's Professional Soccer
Hope Solo joined the Women's Professional Soccer league in 2009, playing for teams like Saint Louis Athletica, Atlanta Beat, and magicJack, showcasing her skills on a professional platform.
2009: WPS Goalkeeper of the Year and US Soccer Female Athlete of the Year
Hope Solo's performance in 2009 earned her the titles of WPS Goalkeeper of the Year and US Soccer Female Athlete of the Year, marking a high point in her career.
May 2010: Solo Joins Atlanta Beat and Sparks Controversies
In May 2010, Hope Solo signed with the Atlanta Beat after the Saint Louis Athletica folded. She switched to jersey number 78 and made controversial remarks on Twitter, leading to fines and a suspension.
2010: Solo's Performance and Shoulder Surgery
Hope Solo had a successful year in 2010, leading the WPS in saves and ranking high in shutouts, wins, and goals against average. Following the season, she underwent right shoulder surgery in September 2010 to prepare for upcoming tournaments.
July 2011: Endorsement Deal with Bank of America
Hope Solo signed a one-year endorsement deal with Bank of America in July 2011.
August 2011: Bank of America Charitable Campaign
Participating in a Bank of America charitable campaign at the Chicago Marathon in August 2011, Hope Solo helped raise funds for the Seattle Humane Society.
September 2011: Featured in EA Sports Commercial
Hope Solo starred in an EA Sports television commercial alongside Steve Nash, promoting FIFA 12 in September 2011.
October 25, 2011: magicJack Franchise Termination
Hope Solo's team, magicJack, lost its franchise on October 25, 2011.
2011: End of Time with Women's Professional Soccer
Hope Solo's time with Women's Professional Soccer came to an end in 2011.
2011: Dancing with the Stars Appearance
In 2011, Hope Solo participated in the 13th season of "Dancing with the Stars," partnering with Maksim Chmerkovskiy. They reached the semifinals, finishing in fourth place overall.
2011: 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Performance
Hope Solo's exceptional performance in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, especially during the quarterfinal match against Brazil, earned her recognition. Despite the team's loss to Japan, she received the Golden Glove award for best goalkeeper and the Bronze Ball award for her overall performance.
2011: ESPN The Magazine's Body Issue Feature
Hope Solo was featured in ESPN The Magazine's "The Body Issue" in 2011, embracing her athleticism and challenging conventional beauty standards.
2011: Solo Competes in 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup
Despite battling a shoulder injury that sidelined her for a significant portion of the qualifying matches, Hope Solo was named to the US roster for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup held in Germany. The US team's journey in the tournament included both victories and a loss against Sweden, highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament.
February 14, 2012: Solo Joins Seattle Sounders Women
Hope Solo joined the Seattle Sounders Women on February 14, 2012, alongside national teammates. Her signing was a significant event for the team, boosting their profile and performance.
August 14, 2012: Release of Autobiography "Solo: A Memoir of Hope"
Hope Solo's autobiography, "Solo: A Memoir of Hope," co-written with Ann Killion, was released on August 14, 2012. The book delved into her personal life, career challenges, and experiences with figures like Greg Ryan and Maksim Chmerkovskiy. It achieved significant success, debuting at number three on The New York Times Best Seller list.
August 2012: Solo and Stevens Begin Relationship
Hope Solo and Jerramy Stevens embarked on a romantic relationship in mid-August 2012, shortly after Solo's return from the Olympics. This marked the beginning of a relationship that would be marked by both joy and controversy in the public eye.
November 12, 2012: Stevens Arrested, Later Released
On November 12, 2012, Jerramy Stevens, Hope Solo's fiancé at the time, was arrested on suspicion of assault following an altercation that left Solo injured. However, a judge ordered Stevens' release the following day due to insufficient evidence, leading to their subsequent marriage.
2012: WPS Suspension
The Women's Professional Soccer league suspended operations in early 2012 due to legal and financial issues.
2012: Winning Second Olympic Gold
Hope Solo was part of the US Women's National Soccer Team that secured a gold medal victory at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
2012: ESPN E:60 Episode
Hope Solo was the subject of an ESPN E:60 episode in 2012, where she discussed her experiences at the 2007 World Cup and her childhood.
2012: Popchips' Game Changers Program
Hope Solo joined 14 other professional athletes in 2012 as part of Popchips' Game Changers program, making appearances at charity events and directing funds to local charities.
2012: Publication of "Solo: A Memoir of Hope"
After her second Olympic gold medal in 2012, Hope Solo released her autobiography, "Solo: A Memoir of Hope," which became a bestseller.
2012: Joining Seattle Sounders
Hope Solo joined the Seattle Sounders in the W-League in 2012, continuing her professional career after the WPS ceased operations.
January 19, 2013: Solo Allocated to Seattle Reign FC
On January 19, 2013, Hope Solo was allocated to the Seattle Reign FC for the inaugural season of the National Women's Soccer League.
March 2013: Solo Undergoes Wrist Surgery, Returns to National Team
In March 2013, Hope Solo underwent surgery to address a persistent injury in her left wrist, leading to a three-month period away from soccer. Her dedication and resilience were evident as she rejoined the national team in June, contributing to the team's undefeated streak that year.
October 2013: Transfer Speculation and Expected Return
In October 2013, rumors circulated about Solo potentially transferring to Manchester City, but her coach anticipated her return to the NWSL in 2014.
2013: Featured in PBS and ESPN Documentaries
Hope Solo was featured in the PBS documentary "Makers: Women Who Make America" and the ESPN documentary series "Nine for IX" in 2013, exploring the experiences of women in sports.
March 2014: Social Media Influencer for LX Ventures and Mobio
In March 2014, Hope Solo took on the role of a "social media influencer" for LX Ventures, Inc. and Mobio.
June 14, 2014: Solo Ties US Record for Career Shutouts
Hope Solo achieved a significant milestone in her soccer career on June 14, 2014, when she matched the US record for career shutouts, reaching 71 during a friendly game against France in Tampa, Florida. Previously held by Briana Scurry, this accomplishment solidified Solo's standing as one of the country's top goalkeepers.
June 21, 2014: Solo Arrested on Assault Charges
Hope Solo was arrested and charged with two misdemeanor counts of assault in the fourth degree on June 21, 2014. The charges stemmed from an alleged altercation involving Solo's half-sister and nephew. This incident sparked significant media attention and legal proceedings, casting a shadow over Solo's career and public image.
November 4, 2014: Solo's Trial Initially Scheduled
Hope Solo's trial, stemming from assault charges, was originally set for November 4, 2014. This date marked a key point in the legal proceedings, although it would later be postponed as the case unfolded.
December 30, 2014: Judge Orders Further Depositions, Delays Decision on Charges
On December 30, 2014, the judge overseeing Hope Solo's assault case ordered additional depositions from the defendants, pushing back the decision on whether to dismiss the charges against Solo to January 6, 2015. This delay underscored the ongoing legal complexities and the judge's commitment to a thorough review of the evidence before reaching a determination.
2014: Solo Allowed to Play Despite Arrest
In 2014, despite her arrest, Hope Solo was allowed to continue playing for the Reign, missing only one game. This sparked debate about a potential double standard in professional sports when compared to the suspensions of NFL players Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson for their off-field incidents.
2014: Solo Affected by iCloud Leaks
In 2014, Hope Solo found herself among the victims of the widespread iCloud leaks that targeted celebrities. The incident, involving the online exposure of numerous private photos, deeply affected Solo and prompted her to speak out against the invasion of privacy, highlighting the devastating consequences of such breaches.
2014: Solo Stays with Seattle Reign
Hope Solo continued to play for Seattle Reign in 2014.
2014: Seattle Reign's Record-Breaking Season and Championship Run
The Seattle Reign, with Hope Solo, achieved a record-breaking 16-game unbeaten streak in 2014, ultimately winning the NWSL Shield but finishing as runners-up in the championship.
January 6, 2015: Deadline for Decision on Charges Against Solo
January 6, 2015, marked the deadline set by the court for a decision on whether to drop the assault charges against Hope Solo. The anticipation surrounding this date reflected the potential impact of the judge's ruling on Solo's career and public image.
January 13, 2015: Domestic Violence Charges Dismissed
On January 13, 2015, charges against Solo related to domestic violence were dismissed due to a lack of cooperation from the alleged victims.
January 19, 2015: Husband's DUI Arrest and Solo's Suspension
Hope Solo faced a 30-day suspension from the U.S. Soccer team due to her husband, Jerramy Stevens', DUI arrest on January 19, 2015. Solo's involvement stemmed from being in the car and engaging in an argument with the police.
January 20, 2015: Solo's Trial Rescheduled
Hope Solo's trial, related to assault charges, was rescheduled to January 20, 2015, following a delay from its original date. This postponement reflected the complexities of the legal process and the need for additional time to gather information and prepare for the proceedings.
January 21, 2015: Solo Suspended from US Women's National Team
Hope Solo's career faced a setback on January 21, 2015, when she was handed a 30-day suspension from the US Women's National Team. The suspension, stemming from an undisclosed incident at a training camp, marked a period of uncertainty and scrutiny for both Solo and the team.
April 2015: Solo Named to US Roster for 2015 World Cup
In April 2015, Hope Solo earned a spot on the US Women's National Team roster for the FIFA Women's World Cup, held in Canada. The tournament, marked by record-breaking television viewership exceeding 750 million, showcased Solo's goalkeeping prowess as she played every minute of the team's seven matches, ultimately contributing to the US team's victory.
September 2015: Ranked #8 Women's Player in FIFA 16
In September 2015, EA Sports ranked Hope Solo as the eighth best female player in the FIFA 16 video game, marking the first time women were included in the game.
October 2015: Domestic Violence Charges Reinstated
Prosecutors successfully appealed the dismissal of domestic violence charges against Hope Solo in October 2015, leading to their reinstatement.
2015: U.S. Women's National Soccer Team Honored with Tickertape Parade and White House Visit
After winning the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, the United States women's national soccer team, including Hope Solo, was celebrated with a ticker tape parade in New York City, the first for a women's sports team. They also received a key to the city from Mayor Bill de Blasio. Later that year, in October 2015, the team was honored by President Barack Obama at the White House.
2015: Winning the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup
As the starting goalkeeper, Hope Solo contributed to the US winning its third World Cup championship since 1991 at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. The final match against Japan became the most-watched televised soccer game in US history.
2015: Solo Faces Crowd Jeers at World Cup
During the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, Hope Solo encountered hostility from Brazilian crowds who taunted her with chants of "Zika" when she touched the ball. This reaction stemmed from a pre-tournament social media post by Solo, in which she shared images of herself with mosquito repellent products in response to concerns about the Zika virus. The incident highlighted the intersection of sports, public health, and social media, underscoring the potential for controversy and criticism on a global stage.
June 2016: Partnership with Organically Raw
Hope Solo partnered with Organically Raw in June 2016 to promote their Shanti Bar line.
June 2016: Appeal to Review Case Denied
Hope Solo's petition to have her domestic violence case reviewed was denied by the state appeals court in June 2016.
July 9, 2016: Solo Achieves 100th International Shutout
Hope Solo reached a historic milestone on July 9, 2016, by becoming the first female goalkeeper ever to achieve 100 international shutouts. This remarkable feat, accomplished during a friendly match against South Africa at Soldier Field in Chicago, further solidified her legacy as a dominant figure in women's soccer.
August 6, 2016: Setting US Goalkeeper Records
By August 6, 2016, Hope Solo had established multiple records for a US goalkeeper, including appearances (202), starts (190), wins (153), shutouts (102), wins in a season (26), consecutive minutes played (1,256), and longest undefeated streak (55 games).
August 2016: Solo's Suspension and Personal Leave
US Soccer suspended Hope Solo and terminated her contract in August 2016 after controversial comments. The Reign granted her personal leave.
August 24, 2016: Solo Receives Six-Month Suspension, Contract Terminated
In a controversial decision on August 24, 2016, U.S. Soccer imposed a six-month suspension on Hope Solo and terminated her national team contract. Citing Solo's past conduct as a factor in their decision, the governing body's move sparked outrage from Solo and raised questions about fairness and potential motives. The incident fueled debates about athlete behavior, organizational accountability, and the right to free speech, further intensifying the already complex relationship between Solo and U.S. Soccer.
2016: Keeping Score Docu-series
Hope Solo, along with teammates Megan Rapinoe and Crystal Dunn, starred in "Keeping Score," a docu-series broadcast by Fullscreen in 2016. The series chronicled their journey to the 2016 Rio Olympics, delving into issues like equal pay and racism, and captured Solo's reaction to her suspension from the national team.
2016: End of US Women's National Team Career
Hope Solo's time with the US Women's National soccer team came to a close in 2016 after a long and successful run.
February 2017: Host of "The Cutting Edge" and Feature on "60 Minutes Sports"
In February 2017, Hope Solo took on the role of host for the sports medical television series "The Cutting Edge." That same month, she was featured on "60 Minutes Sports."
June 2017: Eurosport Promo Segment
Hope Solo appeared in a Eurosport promo segment in June 2017, humorously designated as the network's "Commissioner of Women's Football."
May 24, 2018: Domestic Violence Charges Dropped
After being reinstated and subsequently appealed, all domestic violence charges against Hope Solo were ultimately dropped by the city of Kirkland on May 24, 2018. This decision cited the low likelihood of the event repeating and the unwillingness of witnesses to testify.
December 2019: Solo and Stevens Announce Pregnancy
Hope Solo and Jerramy Stevens shared the happy news of expecting twins in December 2019, marking a significant development in their personal lives and drawing attention from fans and the media alike.
2019: Pundit for BBC at 2019 World Cup
During the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, Hope Solo provided commentary and analysis as a pundit for the BBC.
March 4, 2020: Solo and Stevens Welcome Twins
Hope Solo and Jerramy Stevens celebrated a joyous milestone on March 4, 2020, with the birth of their twins. The arrival of their children marked a new chapter in their personal lives, adding another dimension to Solo's public image.
March 31, 2022: Arrest for DUI and Child Endangerment
Hope Solo was arrested on March 31, 2022, for driving under the influence, resisting arrest, and misdemeanor child abuse. The arrest took place in a Walmart parking lot with her two-year-old twins in the car. Solo pled guilty to the DUI charge, resulting in the dismissal of the resisting arrest and child abuse charges.