Hailing from Lévis, Quebec, Gabby Carle embarks on her second season with the Washington Spirit. Carle has started every regular season game since joining the Spirit, playing a pivotal role on the backline.
At the international level, Gabby has represented Canada at two FIFA Women’s World Cups (2019, 2023) and was part of the 2021 Olympic team that won gold in Tokyo. Prior to her turning pro, she was a standout defender and midfielder for the Florida State Seminoles from 2017 through 2021, winning two national championships (2018, 2021).
What phone app do you use the most?
Spotify. I like to listen to music while I cook or clean and listen to podcasts when I’m in the car.
What’s your first soccer memory?
My first soccer game. I was 5 years old, and I stood around the same spot the whole game wondering what the other kids were doing. After the game, my father rightfully asked me if I had enjoyed it, and although I doubt it had been my favorite activity, I said yes. It wasn’t love at first sight, but I grew to love it.
What career highlight are you most proud of so far?
Winning gold at the Tokyo Olympics. Standing at the top of the podium singing the Canadian National Anthem with my teammates is a moment I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
What’s something people might not know about you?
My first language is French, and I learned English and Spanish growing up.
What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?
Istanbul.
What’s your go-to coffee or tea order?
Iced lavender latte.
What’s always in your fridge?
Olives. They don’t offer much in terms of nutritional value, I’m not even sure what kind of food they qualify as (vegetable?), but I love them.
What is a skill you’ve always wanted to learn?
Not always, but lately I’ve been wanting to learn to crochet. Paige Metayer has volunteered to teach me.
What was your first concert?
My first concert was One Republic. I was 16 and it was during a school night. I went to bed late and did poorly on my science test the next day.
What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?
On a perfect day off, I hang out at a coffee shop and then come home to a book or a tv show.
Do you collect anything?
I accidentally collect hotel room keys. I forget them in clothes pockets and bags.
Do you have any pets?
I have a cat named Mr. Klaws. We call him MK. He hates car rides, sheds like no other and occasionally climbs doorframes, but he’s very cute and we love him.
Did you play any other sports growing up?
I also did figure skating, karate and played basketball. I started only focusing on soccer around the age of 12.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Focus on the process, not the outcome. Obviously, the outcome is important, but you won’t get there unless you learn to enjoy the everyday growth required to achieve it.
