“That’s the Power of Women’s Sports”- POTUS Joe Biden Reacts to Ali Krieger’s Passionate Speech in Gotham FC’s White House Debut

It just keeps getting better and better for the American women’s soccer. Each day is marked with remarkable historical events and today was no exception. 2023 NWSL Champions Gotham FC were invited to grace the White House, a customary practice in the USA’s domestic sporting events. And what better moment there is to inspire budding talents and elevate the women’s game? Ali Krieger was quick enough to seize this opportunity, delivering a powerful speech that even inspired President Joe Biden himself.

A short promo video was shared on POTUS’ official X account, that showcased a few glimpses of the whole Gotham team arriving at the White House in style. Along with the clip, Mr. Biden also mentioned some heartwarming words for the New Jersey-based club in a dedicated caption saying, “Like Gotham FC Captain Ali Krieger said today, this moment isn’t about a title. It is about paving the way. That’s the power of this team. That’s the power of women’s sports.”

One knows the kind of growth women’s soccer has witnessed in the following years, and there’s no better example than Gotham FC. Their emphatic turnaround through years of hard work surely is for the books. That was also the way for Krieger to deliver her inspiring speech. But what exactly did the former defender say?

Courtesy of the live coverage of the White House visit on YouTube, Ali Krieger ensured her words would reach all the aspiring young ladies who want to fulfill their dream of playing. “Every time we step on the field, we think of young girls who dream the future in sports. This moment is not just about titles or trophies. It is about paving the way for them. Being the first is historic. But it’s even more important that we ensure we are not the last,” she said.

These words are enough to symbolize the milestone that Gotham FC has achieved, while also uplifting the future generations. Surely, Biden couldn’t stop there to heap praise over the impact they left.

Joe Biden praises Ali Krieger and Co. for ‘never’ giving up

After Ali Krieger’s speech, Joe Biden again summed up Gotham FC’s journey, sharing how the team defied the odds to make it to the top. “In 2022, Gotham plays last in the entire league. There were doubts about turning things around. But you never gave up, you never gave up, you kept the faith as my mother would say.”

He continued, “And after a tough season, you were in the final team to make the playoffs, and then beating Seattle to win it all. You inspire all of us, you really do. You’re an inspiration. What’s really important is your championship win also set an attendance record. I think it’s fair to say, everyone, everyone watches women’s sports.”

Who would have imagined that despite finishing 6th in the NWSL, Gotham FC went all in to secure the NWSL title by defeating Megan Rapinoe and Co. in the final? Such a story deserves a story to be written by minstrels. As for the inspiring speech by Ali Krieger, it shall do the trick on the budding talent of the US Soccer.