Ashlyn Harris is far more than just a decorated soccer champion. With a legacy shaped by grit, heart, and unwavering authenticity, she’s made an impact both on and off the field. From winning World Cups with the U.S. Women’s National Team to becoming a powerful voice for LGBTQ+ visibility, mental health, and motherhood, Ashlyn continues to evolve—and inspire.
In recent years, she’s opened up about life after professional sports, her divorce from fellow soccer star Ali Krieger, co-parenting their two children, and her blossoming relationship with actress Sophia Bush. As she steps into the media world with her new podcast, Harris is redefining what it means to be an athlete, advocate, and mother in today’s world.
Early Life and Soccer Career
Ashlyn Michelle Harris was born on October 19, 1985, in Satellite Beach, Florida. From an early age, her fierce competitive drive and love for soccer were unmistakable. She played with boys’ teams growing up—often the only girl on the field—which helped develop her tough, fearless style of goalkeeping.
Harris went on to play college soccer for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a powerhouse in women’s soccer. While there, she won the NCAA Women’s Soccer Championship in 2006. Her standout performances soon caught the attention of national team scouts, setting the stage for an illustrious career ahead.
Professional Career Highlights
Ashlyn’s professional career spanned over a decade, and she played for several top teams across the U.S. and abroad. After stints in Germany and the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) league, she became a central figure in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), particularly with the Orlando Pride and later Gotham FC.
Harris earned 25 caps with the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) and was part of the squads that won the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 and 2019. Though not always the starting goalkeeper, her presence in the locker room and leadership on the bench were invaluable.
Her playing style was defined by quick reflexes, sharp instincts, and an almost reckless bravery in one-on-one situations. Teammates often described her as intense, passionate, and deeply loyal.
In 2022, Ashlyn retired from professional soccer, ending a chapter marked by athletic excellence, resilience, and championship moments.
Off the Field: Personal Life and Advocacy
Ashlyn’s influence extends far beyond the pitch. In 2019, she married fellow USWNT star Ali Krieger, and the couple became beloved figures in both the sports and LGBTQ+ communities. Together, they adopted two children: Sloane, born in 2021, and Ocean, adopted later.
In 2023, after nine years together and four years of marriage, Harris and Krieger publicly announced their divorce. The news came shortly after Ashlyn retired and marked a deeply emotional and transitional period in her life.
Despite the pain, Harris remains adamant about preserving mutual respect, especially for the sake of their children. “I will not allow people to speak—in my home, in my presence, or around my children—ill about my ex-wife or our relationship,” she said during a March 2025 interview on the Broad Ideas podcast.
Aside from being a devoted mother, Harris has consistently used her platform to speak out on issues such as mental health, gender equity, and LGBTQ+ rights. She’s long emphasized the importance of vulnerability and authenticity—especially for younger generations navigating identity, relationships, and emotional wellness.
New Chapter: Relationship with Sophia Bush
In 2024, Ashlyn Harris went public with her relationship with actress and activist Sophia Bush, best known for her role on One Tree Hill. Their connection came after Sophia filed for divorce from entrepreneur Grant Hughes, and the relationship was met with both curiosity and celebration from fans.
The two have since shared glimpses of their lives together—attending events like the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s Oscars viewing party, cozying up in Paris, and marking their first Pride Month together with sweet selfies.
Harris speaks openly about how Sophia supports her in this new chapter of life. “She has done podcasting and been in the entertainment space for so long, and she has continued to encourage me to be a little more forward-facing after my soccer career ended,” she told E! News in February 2025.
While Ashlyn remains private about many aspects of their romance, she has hinted that Sophia may join her as a guest on her podcast when the time feels right.
Career After Soccer: Podcast and Public Engagement
After stepping away from the game, Ashlyn launched a new venture: her podcast, Wide Open, on iHeart Women’s Sports in early 2025. The show is a space for raw, honest conversations about parenting, grief, growth, and reinvention.
For Harris, this new platform represents more than a career pivot—it’s a way to connect with people beyond the world of sports. It’s also a chance to normalize vulnerability, particularly among parents and public figures.
“This was the hardest season of my life,” she shared, referring to her divorce and the identity shift that followed retirement. “I think it’s very important to be vulnerable and share your scars, especially for our children.”
Ashlyn’s willingness to talk openly about her struggles makes her a rare and refreshing voice in today’s media landscape.
Social Media and Public Influence
With nearly a million followers across platforms, Ashlyn Harris uses social media to stay connected to fans while championing causes close to her heart. From celebrating Pride to posting adorable family moments with her kids, she keeps things real and relatable.
Her Instagram feed reflects her multifaceted identity—part champion athlete, part mom, part activist, and part hopeless romantic. Through it all, her message is consistent: be bold, be honest, and love fiercely.
Conclusion
Ashlyn Harris may have hung up her cleats, but her influence is far from over. Whether she’s advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, raising two young children, or diving into the world of podcasting, Harris continues to lead with courage and authenticity.
Her journey—marked by triumphs, heartbreaks, and new beginnings—reminds us that life after the spotlight can be just as meaningful. And for Ashlyn, the best may be yet to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Ashlyn Harris still playing soccer?
No, Ashlyn Harris retired from professional soccer in 2022 after a celebrated career that included two World Cup titles.
Q: Who was Ashlyn Harris married to?
Ashlyn was married to fellow USWNT star Ali Krieger. They tied the knot in 2019 and divorced in 2023.
Q: Does Ashlyn Harris have children?
Yes, she shares two children—Sloane and Ocean—with ex-wife Ali Krieger.
Q: Who is Ashlyn Harris dating now?
As of 2024, Ashlyn is in a relationship with actress Sophia Bush.
Q: What is Ashlyn Harris doing now?
She hosts the Wide Open podcast and is active in advocacy work related to mental health, LGBTQ+ rights, and parenting.