Legend goalie Alyssa Naeher has announced her retirement and has concluded her final game. Naeher started her journey with the United States Women’s National Team in 2014, she made her first debut as the lead goalie in 2017. Naeher finished her final game on Tuesday, Dec. 4, after the win in a match against the Netherlands. Naeher has had extraordinary accomplishments in her career and world class titles.
“Alyssa Naeher is a role model to bring emphasis to women in sports,” director and coach of Columbus United Soccer, Simon Davis, said. The country wants to celebrate the awards and titles Naeher has gotten throughout the years.
Naeher has won two World Cup titles in 2019 as well as one in 2015. Being a two time Olympic gold medalist in 2024, in addition to a bronze medal in 2021. She has also acquired six CONCACAF titles: Gold Cup (‘24), Gold Cup Best XI (‘24), Gold Cup Golden Glove (‘24), Women’s Championship (‘18, ‘22), Goalkeeper of the Year (‘18). On top of these wonderful achievements, Naeher has won the SheBelieves Cup seven times, with the most recent win in 2024. She won the FIFA Women’s World Cup three times in 2015, 2019 and 2008.
Naeher is also well known for her incredible saves and extraordinary ability to be a leader. She was a phenom at a young age when she was called up to the U-16 and U-17 Women’s National team. With countless opportunities Naeher delivers on every occasion. She has created a positive environment, and helps people to perform their best. She received her first shutout on Dec. 18, 2014 against Argentina. She was a starter for the USA’s three biggest games.
Naeher was a one of a kind player whose shoes will be hard to fill. Despite this tragic loss for the USA team, two of the backup goalies will be ready for action from any further games.
“Alyssa Naeher inspired me to become a goalie because I saw how amazing and brave, she was in her goal. I knew I wanted to try it out after watching her play,” JV Girl’s Soccer goalie Ella Pitzer ’27 said.
Phill on Tallis-Joyce and Mandy Haught will forever keep Naeher in their hearts in future games. A goalie is one of the hardest positions any player can play within the game of soccer.
“Naeher has left a legacy from the whole country,” sophomore midfielder Edie Davis ’27 said.
There is no doubt Alyssa Naeher’s shoes will be hard to fill.
