Sunday, April 13, was a momentous occasion for NJ/NY Gotham FC. Sure, a 3-1 victory marked a breakthrough after three consecutive frustrating results. But the true turning point of the night came when Midge Purce received a standing ovation from the entire Red Bull Arena, celebrating her long-awaited return after a 13-month absence due to an ACL tear. But expect the rousing applause to continue for a while as the USWNT star is now set to make her way to Broadway!

It’s almost as if her return from injury has opened a whole new set of doors for the veteran forward. The 29-year-old will showcase her off-field talents under the bright lights of Broadway, as she’s set to deliver the opening monologue for the musical Chicago at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 1. This special moment marks a unique collaboration between Gotham FC and the iconic Tony Award-winning Broadway show to promote the New York-based club’s upcoming Broadway Night game.

Interestingly, Midge Purce will share the stage with big names like international model Ashley Graham and Broadway star Sophie Carmen-Jones. In fact, the player’s responsibilities don’t end here; the Silver Spring, Maryland native will be ending her night gig with a Q&A session with the audience at the Ambassador Theatre.

“It’s an incredible honor to step onto the Broadway stage in Chicago,” said Purce. “I’ve always poured my heart into everything I do, and this is no different. Performing in a show with such legacy and power is something I take seriously—and I couldn’t be more excited to embrace this challenge and celebrate the magic of live performance.”

Notably, this partnership also marks the start of Gotham FC’s debut Broadway Night—a themed match celebrating New York’s legendary theater culture. The event is scheduled for Friday, May 16, at Sports Illustrated Stadium, with plenty of fun in store for the supporters. In fact, the segment also involves a national anthem performance by Joy actress Honor Blue Savage, a halftime show by Broadway Plus, post-game fireworks, and a lively Fan Fest before the match featuring face painting, sign making, live music, and more—courtesy of sponsor CarMax.

Overall, some exciting days are ahead for Gotham FC, with star player Midge Purce spearheading the occasion. Honestly, this is a proud moment for the former Portland Thorns forward, who, of course, is no stranger to the spotlight.

Not the first time Midge Purce has found herself in the spotlight.

Back in 2021, Midge Purce surprisingly received an in-person invite to make an appearance at the White House for the occasion of marking the historic Equal Pay Day. The former Boston Breakers star wasn’t alone, having been accompanied by fellow USWNT teammate Megan Rapinoe. Both attended the event on invitation from former President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden.

Interestingly, Purce once shared how the opportunity came to her. Once at her home, she was practicing the piano. Suddenly, the 2023 NWSL Championship winner received an email listing national team players who had been part of the equal pay fight, offering them a chance to visit the White House. Surprised and excited, she immediately thought, “Oh my goodness,” and rushed to respond as quickly as possible.

“I was so excited because it was Equal Pay Day so it was for something that obviously I really believe in and it affects my life and my peers’ lives very heavily,” she said while expressing her gratitude for being able to take part in the historical occasion. In fact, it doesn’t end here. As a part of her White House visit, Purce also had the chance to deliver a speech from the Press Room.

That only saw the 3x SheBelieves Cup winner make the most of the moment, highlighting the lack of investment in women’s sports and how it has contributed to ongoing pay disparities. The Gotham star further demanded a strategic, industry-wide push for the women’s game, similar to the men’s sports. Well, from the looks of it, things have surely changed since then, haven’t they?