Celebrating Motherhood and Perseverance: A Look at Sarah Gorden and Angel City FC’s Support for Moms in Soccer

Mother’s Day holds profound significance for Sarah Gorden, not merely as a day to honor motherhood, but as a tribute to resilience, strength, and survival. Gorden’s journey is marked by the challenges of becoming a single mother while pursuing her dreams as a professional soccer player. Facing financial struggles and societal pressures, her experiences highlight the importance of perseverance in both motherhood and sports.

A Journey of Challenges and Triumph

Gorden’s story began during her junior year of college when she became pregnant. For over a decade, she juggled her roles as a mother and a player in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), once experiencing the harsh realities of being an NWSL rookie. With a salary of just $8,000 in 2016—far below Chicago’s minimum wage—Gorden relied on government assistance and the support of friends and family to make ends meet. Reflecting on those tough years, she admits, “I honestly look back and I have no idea how we got through that.” The challenges may have been daunting, but Gorden’s story is one of resilience and unwavering determination.

Transformative Changes in the NWSL

Over the years, significant transformations have occurred within the NWSL, improving conditions for mothers in professional soccer. The league’s minimum salary has risen to $50,500, and the collective bargaining agreement now guarantees job protection, full benefits, and childcare stipends for pregnant players. Angel City FC has taken these initiatives a step further by fostering a supportive environment for mothers, including a nursery at the team’s training facility. Founded by three mothers, Angel City aims to support every player holistically—physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.

A Vision for Holistic Support

Julie Uhrman, one of Angel City’s founders, emphasizes the importance of overarching support for female athletes. With experience as a mother herself, Uhrman understands the dual challenges players face in balancing sports and motherhood. “They can do both and they can excel at both,” she asserts. The club’s commitment to providing resources for mothers facilitates a culture where athletes can thrive both on and off the field. Gorden, now a captain at Angel City, reflects on how meaningful this support is, particularly as it changes the narrative around motherhood in sports.

Inspiring Other Generations

Angel City takes pride in having four mothers on their active roster, the most in the NWSL. The groundwork for this supportive infrastructure was laid by Sarah Smith, the club’s former director of medical and performance, whose own experiences as a mother inspired her to advocate for policies that benefit parenting players. Her efforts have led to a more inclusive environment that prepares players, like Scottish forward Claire Emslie, for motherhood without sacrificing their professional aspirations. Emslie, who recently returned from maternity leave, represents a growing trend of players choosing both family and career as normalized pathways.

A New Normal in Women’s Soccer

As societal perspectives evolve, more players are embracing motherhood while continuing their soccer careers. Notable players, including Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson, have taken maternity leaves, signaling the normalization of integrating family life into professional sports. This shift reflects a broader acceptance, where professional female athletes need not choose between their careers and motherhood. “Having a baby and continuing to play is now kind of a normal thing,” Emslie points out, reinforcing the narrative that players, coaches, and organizations are adapting to support families.

A Look Ahead: Progress and Future Goals

Reflecting on her journey and the advancements made in the NWSL, Gorden is optimistic about the future for mothers in sports. The establishment of facilities like the nursery, designed with input from players and staff, indicates a commitment to holistic support for athletes navigating motherhood. “The league gets it now,” Gorden affirms, as she celebrates the strides made by the league and clubs like Angel City. Mother’s Day for Gorden now symbolizes not only the joy of motherhood but the acknowledgment of progress, empowerment, and an inclusive future for female athletes.

In conclusion, Sarah Gorden’s story, alongside Angel City FC’s transformative policies, illustrates a pivotal shift in recognizing the complexities of motherhood within professional sports. As more players embrace this dual role, the future of women’s soccer looks promising and hopeful, fostering an environment where motherhood is celebrated rather than stigmatized.