Ashlyn Harris says pay equity deal helps ‘next generation’ of players

USWNT Goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris says the recent pay equity deal with US Soccer represents success for future national team players as well women across all professions. 

It was back in May that the U.S. women’s national team made history. It had nothing to do with kicking a ball. Instead, it marked the end of a six-year legal battle with the United States Soccer Federation over equal pay with the men’s team.

The historic deal, which also includes World Cup prize money, was voted on by both the men’s and women’s players.

“We’re always fighting for more equality, and I am happy in this moment,” U.S. goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris told FanSided’s Mark Carman. “Clearly, this is a huge success for women and sports and soccer, but there’s always more work to be done.”

The USWNT, winners of the last two World Cups, remains one of the strongest teams on the planet. The team will be looking for a three-peat next summer at the World Cup in Australia/New Zealand.

The United States recently qualified for the World Cup, in addition to the 2024 Paris Olympics, after winning the CONCACAF W Championship on Monday in a 1-0 win against rival Canada.

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The 36-year-old Harris, who plays for club side NJ/NY Gotham FC and is married to fellow USWNT defender Ali Krieger, said the new CBA deal is a way to pay it forward since it will ultimately benefit future USWNT players.

“To come out on top and finally get the respect that a lot these women deserve is a huge success for women soccer players and women across all industries that continue to fight for pay equity and what they deserve,” she said. “I’m really happy for this next generation.”

Ashlyn Harris: New U.S. Soccer CBA helps “next generation” of USWNT greats

Harris has been part of the national team since 2013. She went to North Carolina, winning three NCAA Division I titles. A two-time Goalkeeper of the Year (2011 in the WPS and 2016 in the NWSL), the Florida native was part of the 2015 and ’19 World Cup-winning US teams.

“At the end of the day, representing your country is a gift,” she said. “Sports are never always going to be fun because there’s so much highs and lows and failures and success.”

Back in March, former U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo, in a podcast interview with USWNT star Carli Lloyd, blasted how players like Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan had handled past CBA agreements.

In response, Harris repeated that she’s “extremely happy for these young kids,” referring to future U.S. players.

“That sounds a little bitter from ex-players. … That sounds like a disgruntled ex-player,” she added.

Ashlyn Harris was one of several professional athletes honoring the 2022 Gatorade Athlete of the Year award winners. After a two-year hiatus, Gatorade’s Athlete of the Year program is back, proudly introducing the next generation of athletes who will continue to inspire us all to be better.