Thursday marked the end of an era for the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team.
Midfielder Heather O’Reilly–a former UNC standout–announced her retirement from international soccer after 15 years.
Her last game is scheduled for Sept. 15, as the U.S. takes on Thailand in Columbus, Ohio.
In 230 career appearances for the National Team, O’Reilly has tallied an astonishing 46 goals (12th all-time) and 54 assists (sixth all-time).
O’Reilly began her career with the U.S. National Team as a 17-year-old in 2002. She began playing at UNC the next year. (USSoccer.org)
“I have spent nearly half my life in a U.S. Soccer uniform, so making the decision to retire from international play was incredibly hard and emotional,” said O’Reilly. “But quite simply, after 230 caps, thousands of practices, many trips around the world, and having played in three World Cups, and three Olympics, it just feels like the right time.
“I’ve had an incredibly complete career playing for my country and it has been an absolute honor to represent the USWNT for the last 15 years,” she continued. “I’m leaving this team with a lot happiness in my heart and pride for what we’ve accomplished.”
O’Reilly began her career with the national team as a 17-year-old back in 2002–before she had ever set foot on campus in Chapel Hill.
Upon her arrival, however, she helped lead the Tar Heels to a pair of national championships in 2003 and 2006.
Throughout her highly-decorated college career, O’Reilly scored 59 goals and dished out 49 assists. She was also named Offensive MVP of the 2006 NCAA Tournament for her goals during the Semifinal and Final games.
From there, she went on to play in the 2007, 2011 and 2015 Women’s World Cups. She would have likely been on the 2003 roster as well, had it not been for an untimely broken leg.
On top of being a World Cup champion in 2015, O’Reilly was also a member of teams that won three straight Olympic Gold medals in 2004, 2008 and 2012.
In the 2006 NCAA Championship against undefeated Notre Dame, O’Reilly scored one of UNC’s two goals. (Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos)
Although she’ll remain active in her professional club career, this decision will give her more time to spend with her family and husband–former UNC lacrosse player Dave Werry.
“I have been very lucky to have an amazing support system around me my entire U.S. Women’s National Team career,” said O’Reilly. “I want to thank my family and my husband Dave for being my biggest fans, and the amazing coaches who helped me not only get to this level, but instilled in me the qualities to help me stay here.
O’Reilly’s current head coach with the National Team, Jill Ellis, also gave a statement on the news.
“Heather has been a vitally important part of our program for many years and has continued to set a standard for professionalism and work ethic,” Ellis said. “She’s been right in the thick of things for most of our big moments over the past 15 years and has always been the ultimate team player and a world-class person.
“She should be incredibly proud of the indelible impact she’s made on this team and on women’s soccer.”
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