In a candid and heartwarming interview with SELF, Ali Krieger delved into her life post-divorce from Ashlyn Harris. The 39-year-old soccer champion opened up about the challenges she faced, the unwavering support from her teammates, the importance of self-care, and her optimistic outlook on the future.
Reflecting on the aftermath of her very public breakup in 2023, Krieger shared, “I’m actually in a healthy space. I’m still processing everything in real time. Obviously, I met the most broken version of myself this year, but now—the strongest. I feel like I can get through anything, and I am so ready for this next phase. I feel like the universe has sent me a gift, and I’m ready to take it.”
The soccer star acknowledged the tremendous support she received from her teammates during the challenging period. Recalling the night the news of her divorce broke, Krieger revealed, “Then my teammates just started walking through the door. All of them. At different times. Until 2 in the morning, we were there, just hanging out, dancing, putting music on YouTube. They didn’t even think twice. They didn’t have to ask; they just showed up. They just kept coming in—from right after training, after their meetings, through 2 a.m. My kids were there, we all were there. And that’s something that I will never forget, and they will never understand how grateful and how…I’m so appreciative.”
The solidarity among teammates became a lifeline for Krieger, demonstrating the power of genuine connections in times of adversity. “We were sitting in the playroom, in my kitchen; we were dancing and hanging out, and they were all bringing wine and flowers, and just…themselves.”
Looking ahead, Krieger expressed her intentions for the future, emphasizing the need to prioritize herself. “When I’m ready and open for the next relationship, or the next person to come into my life, I want to feel like I’m giving my full self. I know that I’m not there yet. And so I think 2024 is going to be just me continuing to put myself first, and work on myself so that I am a complete Ali—so that I don’t carry all of this past trauma into that next relationship.”
Krieger’s resilience and commitment to personal growth shine through as she eagerly anticipates the new year. “I’m so ready for the new year, and just propelling myself forward into that. And then I’ll be open, really fully open, to what’s next.”
Beyond her achievements on the soccer field, Krieger highlighted her proudest accomplishment: the lifelong friendships she built with her teammates. She emphasized the profound bond that goes beyond the physical and mental challenges of the sport. “Building those friendships that go beyond the soccer field has been a dream come true. Now I get to share real-life memories with them, not just soccer.”
