Hope Solo

Hope Solo is one of the most iconic goalkeepers in the history of the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT). With a career that saw her secure back-to-back Olympic gold medals at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Games, Solo has been a pillar of the USWNT for many years.

Born in Richland, Washington State, Solo was first introduced to football by her father. Initially a prolific goalscorer in her teenage years, she notched up an impressive 109 goals for her high school team between 1996 and 1999, leading them to three consecutive regional titles. It wasn't until she joined the University of Washington’s team, the Huskies, that she made the switch to goalkeeping. Solo quickly excelled in her new role, setting a club record with 325 saves and achieving 18 clean sheets during her collegiate career.

In 2003, Solo began her professional career with Philadelphia Charge in the WUSA league. After the league's suspension, she crossed the Atlantic to play in Europe, joining Swedish club Gothenburg and later French powerhouse Olympique Lyonnais in 2005. Reflecting on her European stint, Solo credited it with being a pivotal moment in her career, helping her grow both as a player and a person.

Solo made her debut for the senior USWNT in April 2000. However, she didn't secure a regular starting spot until 2005 and was not part of the team that won gold at the Athens 2004 Olympics. Her Olympic debut came at the Beijing 2008 Games, where she delivered a series of impressive performances, including a crucial display in the final against Brazil, helping the US secure a 1-0 victory in extra time.

At the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany, Solo once again showcased her talent, particularly in the quarter-finals where she thwarted Brazil in a penalty shootout. Although the USWNT lost to Japan in the final, Solo and her teammates avenged this defeat at the London 2012 Olympics, claiming gold with a 2-1 victory over Japan at Wembley. Solo's performance was instrumental, highlighted by a spectacular save from Mana Iwabuchi's powerful drive late in the game. Celebrating her second Olympic gold medal, she was one of only three players to be on the pitch for every minute of the USA’s matches in the tournament.

In 2013, Solo published her autobiography, A Memoir of Hope, and signed with the NWSL club Seattle Reign. Despite a wrist injury that sidelined her for a few months, she returned to play a decisive role in the USWNT’s World Cup triumph in 2015 in Canada. Solo's exceptional performances earned her the Golden Glove award as the tournament’s outstanding goalkeeper.

Ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympics, Solo continued to break records, achieving her 100th clean sheet and 150th victory in her international career. She earned her 200th cap during the tournament, solidifying her place as one of the most capped players in US soccer history.