Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kelley O'Hara

Discover the career path of Kelley O'Hara, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Kelley O'Hara is a celebrated American former professional soccer player, renowned for her 160 appearances with the United States national team. Her illustrious career includes two FIFA Women's World Cup victories and an Olympic gold medal. Primarily a wingback known for her intensity on the field, O'Hara spent the majority of her club career playing for NJ/NY Gotham FC in the National Women's Soccer League. Though often playing defense professionally, she showcased her versatility by playing as a forward during her college years and occasionally in her professional career.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1991: Inaugural Women's World Cup

Since the inaugural Women's World Cup in 1991, the United States went on to defeat Japan 5–2, winning the first World Cup title since 1999 and the third overall World Cup title.

1999: World Cup Title since 1999

In 1999, The United States won the first World Cup title.

2004: Joined U.S. U-16s and U-17 Youth National Team

In 2004, Kelley O'Hara played for the U.S. U-16s and then joined the U-17 youth women's national team.

2005: Youth National Teams

From 2005, Kelley O'Hara represented the United States in various youth national teams.

2006: FIFA U-20 Women's World Championship

In 2006, Kelley O'Hara was a member of the fourth-place United States U-20 women's national soccer team that competed in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Championship in Russia, scoring two goals and being ejected from a game against Argentina.

2006: Led Cardinal in Scoring

In 2006, Kelley O'Hara, a freshman at Stanford University, led the Cardinal in scoring with nine goals.

2007: GA U19G State Cup

In 2007, Kelley O'Hara played on the Concorde Fire South '88 Elite that won the GA U19G State Cup and advanced to the Semi Finals of Regionals.

2007: Pan American Games Appearance

In 2007, Kelley O'Hara rejoined the U-20 national team at the Pan American Games, scoring four goals in the women's football tournament, but the United States lost in the final to Brazil.

February 2008: U-20 Four Nations Tournament

In February 2008, Kelley O'Hara returned to the U-20 women's national team to play in the U-20 Four Nations Tournament in Chile.

July 2008: CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship

In July 2008, Kelley O'Hara made her last appearance for the U-20 team at the CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship in Puebla, Mexico, helping the team qualify for the 2008 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Chile but ultimately did not play in the U-20 World Cup.

December 2009: Called into Senior National Team Training Camp

In December 2009, Kelley O'Hara was called into the senior national team's training camp.

2009: Hermann Trophy Winner

In 2009, Kelley O'Hara was awarded the Hermann Trophy while playing for the Stanford Cardinal.

2009: College Cup Appearance

In 2009, Kelley O'Hara's senior year ended in the College Cup, where the Cardinal lost to North Carolina. O'Hara received two yellow cards in the second half, resulting in ejection from the game.

2009: Played for Pali Blues

In the summer of 2009, prior to graduating from Stanford, Kelley O'Hara played for the Pali Blues of the USL W-League, scoring four goals.

March 2010: First Senior National Team Cap

In March 2010, Kelley O'Hara earned her first senior national team cap, coming in as a substitute during a friendly match against Mexico.

November 2010: Signed by Boston Breakers

After FC Gold Pride folded in November 2010, Kelley O'Hara was signed by the Boston Breakers.

2010: International Career Start

In 2010, Kelley O'Hara began playing internationally for the United States.

2010: Drafted by FC Gold Pride

In 2010, Kelley O'Hara was drafted third overall by FC Gold Pride at the WPS Draft.

2010: Youth National Teams

Through 2010, Kelley O'Hara represented the United States in various youth national teams.

May 14, 2011: Called Up to World Cup Roster

On May 14, 2011, Kelley O'Hara was called up to replace Lindsay Tarpley on the World Cup roster after Tarpley tore her ACL. O'Hara earned one cap at right midfield in the final group stage game.

2011: Women's World Cup Appearance

In 2011, Kelley O'Hara appeared at the Women's World Cup, helping the United States team win the title.

January 5, 2012: Signed with Atlanta Beat

On January 5, 2012, Kelley O'Hara signed with the Atlanta Beat; however, the league folded before the season began.

January 22, 2012: First Start at Left Back

On January 22, 2012, Kelley O'Hara made her first start at left back against Guatemala in the Olympic Qualifiers and registered three assists.

2012: Olympic Gold Medal

At the 2012 Olympics, Kelley O'Hara won a gold medal with the U.S. women's national team, playing every minute of the tournament.

January 11, 2013: Joined Sky Blue FC

On January 11, 2013, Kelley O'Hara joined Sky Blue FC in the new National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), reverting to a forward role.

2013: Joined Gotham FC

In 2013, Kelley O'Hara joined Gotham FC, then known as Sky Blue FC, when the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) was formed.

2015: Commercials and Advertisements

In 2015, Kelley O'Hara appeared in multiple commercials and advertisements for Under Armour and promoted chocolate milk on behalf of the National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board.

2015: 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup

In 2015, Kelley O'Hara participated in the FIFA Women's World Cup, where she earned increased playing time as the tournament progressed, scoring a crucial goal against Germany in the semi-final and contributing to the United States' victory over Japan in the final, securing their first World Cup title since 1999.

2015: World Cup Title

In 2015, Kelley O'Hara was part of the United States team that won the Women's World Cup.

2016: Olympic Games Appearance

In 2016, Kelley O'Hara appeared at the Olympic Games.

December 29, 2017: Traded to Utah Royals FC

On December 29, 2017, Kelley O'Hara was traded to Utah Royals FC.

May 2018: Scored in Utah's First Franchise Win

In May 2018, Kelley O'Hara scored a goal in Utah Royals FC's first-ever franchise win, a 2–0 victory over the Washington Spirit.

2019: Defended World Cup Title

In 2019, Kelley O'Hara appeared at the Women's World Cup, defending the title with the United States team.

2019: Limited Appearances for Utah

In 2019, Kelley O'Hara made only 2 starts in 4 appearances for Utah Royals FC due to injuries and World Cup duties, later being named to the 2019 NWSL second XI.

2019: FIFA FIFPRO Women's World 11

In 2019, Kelley O'Hara was named to the FIFA FIFPRO Women's World 11.

July 2020: Podcast Launch

In July 2020, Kelley O'Hara launched a podcast with sports website Just Women's Sports.

August 2020: Rumors of Trade and Opting Out

Starting in August 2020, rumors circulated about a Kelley O'Hara trade to the Washington Spirit, and O'Hara announced she would opt out of the 2020 NWSL Fall Series.

December 2, 2020: Traded to Washington Spirit

On December 2, 2020, Kelley O'Hara's trade to the Washington Spirit was officially announced, with the Utah Royals receiving $75,000 in allocation money and a 2022 first-round draft pick. O'Hara requested the move to be in the same city as her partner.

2020: Limited Minutes in 2020 NWSL Season

In 2020, Kelley O'Hara played only 65 minutes for the Royals in the abbreviated NWSL season, as she was still recovering from an injury at the start of the Challenge Cup.

2020: Olympic Bronze Medal

In 2020, Kelley O'Hara won a bronze medal at the Olympic Games.

November 20, 2021: Won NWSL Championship with the Spirit

On November 20, 2021, the Washington Spirit won their first NWSL Championship, with Kelley O'Hara scoring the winning goal in the 97th minute.

2021: NWSL Championship Winning Goal

In 2021, Kelley O'Hara scored the winning goal for the Washington Spirit in the NWSL Championship game.

April 2022: Podcast Rebranding

In April 2022, Kelley O'Hara's podcast with Just Women's Sports was rebranded as The Players' Pod.

2022: Announced Signing with Gotham FC

After the 2022 season, Kelley O'Hara announced on November 15 that she would sign with NJ/NY Gotham FC.

January 25, 2023: Gotham FC Announced Signing

On January 25, 2023, Gotham FC officially announced the signing of Kelley O'Hara, making her the first NWSL player to sign with a new team in free agency.

June 21, 2023: Named to 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Squad

On June 21, 2023, Kelley O'Hara was named to the United States squad for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia, marking her fourth World Cup tournament.