USWNT Legend Kelley O’Hara Makes Honest Retirement Confession While Reflecting on Preseason Struggles: “Never Been Relaxing”

Only players truly understand what it feels like to retire. Sure, it’s an inevitable reality that no athlete can escape. But when the time comes, the thoughts of leaving behind the sport they love often bring tears. It’s no surprise many feel a void that seems impossible to fill. However, what if we told you that Kelley O’Hara isn’t experiencing that? Apparently, the USWNT icon is herself ‘surprised‘ by how she doesn’t miss kicking the soccer ball!

No, not the bombastic side-eye for the former defender. It’s not as if she worked hard to build an impressive career, only to anxiously await the last few moments to pass. But remembering how stressful things were for her while being an active player specifically makes it evident that she’s enjoying her retirement. “The holiday season has never been relaxing for me,” O’Hara began while speaking with Just Women’s Sports. 

“I think people really don’t realize the extent to which you have to prepare for preseason, and how little of a break we get as footballers.” Well, it’s like this. The moment a calendar year ends in American soccer, players take one deep sigh, and boom! The pre-season for the impending campaign begins. Not to mention that aside from domestic obligations, a few are required to serve their respective nations as well.

Hardly enough time is given to players to recuperate or enjoy the rest. This reminds us of when Tobin Heath criticized the NWSL’s early start compared to European leagues like the WSL, which begins in late August. Players must leave mid-season for international tournaments with the NWSL kicking off early in the year. This sees them not only return but also readjust and find themselves thinking, “Can I get a break?”

Even Trinity Rodman echoed Heath’s sentiments. The Washington Spirit star previously admitted that she struggled to keep up in the NWSL after returning from a six-game tournament at the Paris Olympics (where she won gold). Then again, for O’Hara, it’s different. While she does relate to all such problems, she still loves getting challenged.

“Obviously, [playing] comes with its pitfalls or obstacles or annoyances, but I really loved it,” she says. “So I’m surprised with how much I’m not missing it,” concluded the former Gotham FC star.

Even though the playtime is over for Kelley, that doesn’t mean her problems have too. Apparently, with some relaxation, there is something crucial that she has to take care of.

Kelley O’Hara is ‘figuring out’ a way to enjoy life while sorting out her knee

Kelley O’Hara’s retirement wasn’t entirely her choice—her body decided for her. Throughout her illustrious career, she battled lingering injuries, but eventually, the physical toll became too much to ignore. Even now, she admits, “I’m trying to sort out my knee. Unfortunately, it’s pretty far gone,” she continues. “So just managing it and figuring out how to do all the things I want to do, and enjoy life the way I want to enjoy it.”

But fortunately, when you have a full trophy case, there’s little room for regret. Stepping away felt like the right decision. So, as O’Hara embraces this new chapter, she remains mindful of the sacrifices that led to her success. In fact, O’Hara has already come to terms with the reality that a knee replacement is inevitable—sooner rather than later.

But the good thing is that she doesn’t have to wake up every day and stress out for pre-season!