Hope Solo’s Return: A Vision for a Diverse Soccer Future

Headlining the women’s and mixed competition is Solo FC.

Last spring, Solo’s team was eliminated in the quarterfinals, with Solo serving as the goalkeeper and fielding a diverse lineup of current professionals, collegiate athletes, and semi-retired talents.

The U.S. Women’s National Team, featuring legends like Heather O’Reilly and Carli Lloyd, are back-to-back champions, and Solo returns to the field with unfinished business.

“You know, it was really hard to get me to come down from the mountains last year,” Solo shared with GOAL. “Returning to the field brought a lot of pressure and stress as I built a team that I hoped would find success. It was quite the year.”

Solo aimed to create a team not only composed of familiar faces but also to provide opportunities for players from various countries.

“This isn’t easy. You have to find funding and sponsorship. The idea is great, but it requires significant resources to travel players from around the world, which can be quite stressful,” she explained last year.

“I’m committed to creating a more global team, showcasing players that fans may not have heard of, but who are truly diamonds in the rough.”

This year, Solo intends to continue this vision, though she now faces the added challenge of fielding a mixed-gender team.

“History needs to be made because the U.S. team can’t keep winning every year,” Solo remarked.

The U.S. Women’s team boasts Solo’s former national teammates, and when asked about reconnecting with them, she said, “It was a blast from the past.”

In Cary, N.C., over 30 teams, including stars like Sergio Aguero, Luís Nani, and Carli Lloyd, are gathering at WakeMed Soccer Park to compete in TST. The venue has been prepared for 7v7 matches, with designated areas for teams to relax, eat, and socialize between games.

“It was a trip to see how it felt the same again; it was like déjà vu as I went up the elevators and had the same conversations,” Solo reflected.

Solo’s return to the field last year also meant reconnecting with teammates she hadn’t seen for over a decade. Fans across the country turned out to witness her play once more, and while much felt unchanged, Solo remained a formidable presence in goal, exuding fierce leadership.

“When I stepped on the field, my instincts kicked back in—my positioning, angles, and leadership felt deeply ingrained within me. It was incredibly rewarding,” she explained.

While last year was focused on Solo’s comeback, this year she emphasizes the importance of providing younger players the opportunity to display their talents.

“Looking ahead, it’s not about my return; it’s about uplifting younger goalkeepers who are incredibly talented, even more so than I am. I plan to play less this year to protect my body and to give other keepers valuable playing time,” Solo stated.

“I need to be mindful of when to step back and ensure the younger players have their moment, as some of our second and third-string goalkeepers are already better than I was.”

While Solo has yet to disclose specific players for her rosters, she shared insights into the team-building process.

“It’s not a straightforward yes from everyone; it involves numerous discussions. We’re exploring players from diverse backgrounds, including a Palestinian national team member currently in Europe and a Somalian refugee. It’s crucial for me to build a diverse team.”

Solo’s family, including her husband Jerramy Stevens, a former NFL player, and their children, have been supportive throughout this journey. She recounted her daughter’s tears upon hearing she might not be on the field this year. Stevens has even been practicing his shots at Solo in goal.

“I’ve tried to explain to her that I’ve had my time, and now it’s someone else’s turn. She’s beginning to know the players and goalkeepers, which makes this a beautiful family journey where my kids are getting to know the players,” Solo explained.

The family-like atmosphere at TST holds significant meaning for Solo, who emphasizes that she wouldn’t return to soccer without a vision she believed in.

“From Day 1, I doubt anyone could have drawn me back into soccer if it weren’t for Jon [Mugar] and the team at TST. I often reflect on why I’m back in the game here in America, and TST plays a pivotal role in that.”