April 17, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
Washington Spirit News Release
Washington, D.C. – The Washington Spirit celebrates the first-ever fan goalkeeper jerseys marking another major milestone toward equity in women’s sports. For the first time in club and National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) history, fans will be able to represent their favorite goalkeepers with a custom jersey like they have done for their favorite field players and was previously only available for the men’s game.
“This should be the benchmark,” said Spirit Chief Operations Officer Theresa McDonnell. “The expectation is that all players’ jerseys are available to fans. Keepers are inspiring leaders and mentors with their own unique fan base who want to represent them. It’s about time that they can. Of course, we jumped at the opportunity to offer keeper jerseys in our shop. I can’t wait to see them all over the city.”
Spirit goalkeepers Aubrey Kingsbury and Nicole Barnhart have combined for nearly 30 professional seasons and will see their jerseys worn by fans in the stands for the first time this year. Barnhart boasts a remarkable record, having won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), alongside multiple NWSL accolades including two championships and Goalkeeper of the Year. Fans have consistently sought out and asked for her jersey over her decorated multi-decade career. Kingsbury is a two-time NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year and 2021 NWSL champion with extensive USWNT experience, including at last summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, who has faced the same problem.
“To have goalkeeper kits available for fans in the women’s game as they have been for so long in the men’s game is not only a long-awaited move in the right direction, it’s just good business,” said Kingsbury. “I can’t wait to see fans representing me, Barnie [Barnhart] and Lyza in the stands at Audi!”
This is an important step toward equity in sports for female athletes. As women’s sports have seen exponential growth in attendance, viewership and sponsorship revenue in recent years, this move is the latest toward bringing the women’s game on par with the men’s. Demand for women’s sports is at an all-time high and the Spirit is excited to continue to invest in the merchandise aspect of the business to continue the club’s (and league’s) upward trajectory.
“With no way to purchase a goalkeeper jersey, fans have been asking for my game-worn jersey since year one,” said Barnhart. “I’m so…