No results can be found
Showing results for:
-
Athletes
-
Pages
-
News
Athletes
Pages
News
Barnhart recently announced her retirement after an illustrious career spanning two decades
Washington, D.C. (01/17/2025) – The Washington Spirit has added NWSL and U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) legend Nicole Barnhart to its technical staff as the Assistant Goalkeeper Coach, the club announced today.
“We’re very happy to be keeping Barnie at the club after her retirement,” said Head Coach Jonatan Giráldez. “She has been a great part of this team and we’re confident she will continue to be a valuable member of the club in her new role.”
Barnhart recently retired from her illustrious professional career that spanned nearly two decades. Prior to playing her final three seasons with the Spirit, Barnhart spent the first nine years of her NWSL career with FC Kansas City/Utah Royals FC. Despite making only three regular season appearances with the Spirit since 2022, Barnhart still holds the all-time NWSL record for clean sheets at 52 in just 144 matches. The soccer icon also won two NWSL Championship with FC Kansas City in 2014 and 2015, making her the only keeper in league history to win back-to-back titles. Before the NWSL’s founding, Barnhart played professionally in the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) and Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS).
“I am very excited to join the staff and continue to be a part of the great Washington Spirit organization that Michele is building,” said Barnhart. “This is a wonderful opportunity to continue mentoring the players while learning and growing as a coach under the amazing staff. Can’t wait to get started with the team next week!”
On the international stage, Barnhart’s career with the USWNT was just as impressive as her club career. With 54 appearances for the senior side, the goalkeeper was a valuable part of the team throughout the 2000s and early 2010s. Barnhart won two gold medals with the USWNT, at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and at the 2012 Olympics in London.
The Spirit will take the field in 2025 looking to build on this year’s second place finish in the NWSL. Behind stellar performances from the side’s star players and rookie phenoms, the Spirit set new single season club marks on the pitch in wins (18, also a league record), points (56) and goals (51) in front of record attendances at Audi Field in 2024. Fans can secure their spot to see the Spirit in the team’s next match at Audi Field by becoming 2025 Season Ticket Members here.
About The Washington Spirit
The Washington Spirit is the premier professional women’s soccer team based in Washington, D.C. and plays at Audi Field in Buzzard Point. The Spirit was founded on November 21, 2012 and is an inaugural member of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) the fastest growing sports league in the US. The club is home to some of the best players in the world who have won championships for both club and country. In 2024, the Spirit drafted an epic class of rookies who are already breaking records and wowing fans. For more information about the Spirit, visit WashingtonSpirit.com and follow the club on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Never miss a post. Sign up to get Spirit news, alerts, offers, and discounts:
