The one-eyed legend: Ruth Harker

Ruth Harker

Ruth Harker was the first ‘85er I met as we went through a series of soccer related games. Ruth was so much fun and was able to perfectly nail the cameraman, Mat, in what will be a great video shot. Ruth is impressively well spoken both in person and through her podcast feature, and it was an incredible opportunity to learn with and from her. Here are just a few of of my key things I want to share about Ruth: 

As the only founding player representing the midwest, she played several sports growing up and. She and her brother Steve remain very close, and Steve was able to travel with her to Asheville. Steve shared how gifted she was athletically from a young age, how humble she remains about her accomplishments in her soccer and professional career (yet so successful!), and what an incredible role model she is to those around her. I couldn’t agree more! 

While many kids now are introduced to soccer around age 6, Ruth Harker didn’t discover soccer until age 14. She put in the work to become a goalkeeper for the 1985 US Women’s soccer national team. What is crazy is she never revealed a huge secret to her teammates after she finished her playing career, it ended up being her mom who let slip that she has vision in one eye. Ruth was adamant she never wanted to give anyone an advantage shooting against her. Over the weekend, Ruth joked she still holds the title as the only one-eyed goalkeeper to play for the US Women’s soccer team. 

At Ruth’s core she is kind, considerate and inclusive. Ruth Harker might be one of the funniest people I have met, making everyone in the room included with effortless ease.I was lucky enough Ruth took a spot next to me on the sideline after autographs and shared with me how she gave away her special edition ‘85 hat to a kid she knows will remain an incredibly special token for them, and a special memory for her. 

She remains an avid champion of the sport, and is proud of the growth of the game and acknowledges that the high standard put on the US Women’s soccer team who has raised the World Cup trophy 50% of the time (won 4 out of 8 completed World Cup tournaments). She made it clear she is not bitter or sad that she and her teammates did not have these opportunities players have not, but is delighted that the game has evolved in such a positive arc. 

She was able to attend a large portion of the 2023 World Cup with her family cheering on the USWNT. Thank you Ruth Harker for continuing to champion the game!