Washington Spirit Celebrates First Ever Fan Goalkeeper Jerseys
April 17 2024 - 8:26AM
The Washington Spirit celebrates the first-ever fan goalkeeper
jerseys marking another major milestone toward equity in women’s
sports. For the first time in club and National Women’s Soccer
League (NWSL) history, fans will be able to represent their
favorite goalkeepers with a custom jersey like they have done for
their favorite field players and was previously only available for
the men’s game.
"This should be the benchmark,” said Spirit Chief Operations
Officer Theresa McDonnell. “The expectation is that all players’
jerseys are available to fans. Keepers are inspiring leaders and
mentors with their own unique fan base who want to represent them.
It’s about time that they can. Of course, we jumped at the
opportunity to offer keeper jerseys in our shop. I can’t wait to
see them all over the city.”
Spirit goalkeepers Aubrey Kingsbury and Nicole Barnhart have
combined for nearly 30 professional seasons and will see their
jerseys worn by fans in the stands for the first time this year.
Barnhart boasts a remarkable record, having won two Olympic gold
medals with the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), alongside
multiple NWSL accolades including two championships and Goalkeeper
of the Year. Fans have consistently sought out and asked for her
jersey over her decorated multi-decade career. Kingsbury is a
two-time NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year and 2021 NWSL champion with
extensive USWNT experience, including at last summer’s FIFA Women’s
World Cup, who has faced the same problem.
"To have goalkeeper kits available for fans in the women’s game
as they have been for so long in the men’s game is not only a
long-awaited move in the right direction, it’s just good business,”
said Kingsbury. “I can’t wait to see fans representing me, Barnie
[Barnhart] and Lyza in the stands at Audi!”
This is an important step toward equity in sports for female
athletes. As women’s sports have seen exponential growth in
attendance, viewership and sponsorship revenue in recent years,
this move is the latest toward bringing the women’s game on par
with the men’s. Demand for women’s sports is at an all-time high
and the Spirit is excited to continue to invest in the merchandise
aspect of the business to continue the club’s (and league’s) upward
trajectory.
"With no way to purchase a goalkeeper jersey, fans have been
asking for my game-worn jersey since year one,” said Barnhart. “I’m
so excited to see that devoted fans, friends and family can finally
purchase their own goalkeeper jersey to wear and show support for
their favorite keepers across the league.”
The Spirit is eager to invest in providing goalkeeper kits for
fans at retail in this first year it has been made possible.
Providing opportunities and conditions in the women’s game
equitable to those on the men’s side is key to club majority owner
Michele Kang’s vision. As she continues to provide the resources
necessary for both on- and off-the-pitch excellence, Kang is
setting a new standard for owners in women’s sports.
"I’m fortunate to be able to see an important change like this
happen in just my second year as a pro,” said Spirit goalkeeper
Lyza Bosselmann. “The trails blazed for players my age by Barnie
and Aubrey are inspiring to see and I look forward to continuing to
learn from them and help to keep carrying the women’s game
forward.”
Spirit goalkeeper jerseys will be available for purchase at Audi
Field during the Spirit’s next home match this Saturday, April 20.
Following that they will be available online at
WashingtonSpirit.com/Shop. The fully embellished kits will feature
all four Spirit kit partners: CVS Health, Snickers, Matchday.com
and Ally. Fans will have the option to customize their jersey with
any of the Spirit’s three current goalkeepers' names and number (#1
Aubrey Kingsbury, #18 Lyza Bosselmann, #28 Nicole
Barnhart).
The Spirit welcomes East Coast rival NJ/NY Gotham FC to Audi
Field for their nationally-broadcast match on Saturday, April 20 at
1 p.m. Fans can secure their spot and help Black Out Audi Field
this weekend by purchasing tickets here. Fans can purchase Spirit
gear, including goalkeeper jerseys beginning Saturday, at
WashingtonSpirit.com/Shop.
About The Washington SpiritThe Washington Spirit is the
professional women’s soccer team based in Washington, D.C. and
plays at Audi Field in Buzzard Point. The Spirit was founded on
November 21, 2012, and is an inaugural member of the National
Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the premier women’s soccer league in
North America. For more information about the Spirit, visit
WashingtonSpirit.com and follow the club
on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
- Washington Spirit Goalkeeper Jerseys
Theresa McDonnell
Washington Spirit
917-439-4271
tmcdonnell@washspirit.com