Hope's Rapidly Rising Popularity. What Kind of Person Is She?

It's easy to attribute Hope's sudden fame to her looks. Her statuesque 175cm frame, captivating eyes, and a gentle smile that puts people at ease.—She is beautiful to anyone who sees her. But Hope's appeal doesn't stop at her appearance. Amy Griffin, one of her college coaches, explains: "Hope is a wonderful spokesperson. She speaks her mind. Whether people like Hope or dislike her, they can understand who she is."

In 2007, during a crucial international tournament, Hope publicly questioned her coach's decision to bench her and start a veteran goalkeeper instead. The coach's explanation was that the other goalkeeper was older and had more experience against the opposing team. This widely told story continues as follows: In the post-match interview area, Hope commented, "That was the wrong decision. Anyone who understands the game would think so. I'm confident I could have saved it." While she intended it as a comment on the coach's decision, this statement was also perceived as a criticism of her teammates. Hope was ostracized and kicked off the team. She was also dragged into a mire of media criticism. Ironically, however, this incident made Hope a household name.

"I'm very satisfied with my current position in my career. I want to be someone who can be a role model for others. That said, I do it my own way without sacrificing who I am. Many things have changed because of women's sports, but there are still people who believe that for women, 'team' is everything and being close friends is important. But during a game, it's not like that. It's the best players who can show respect for each other and get on the field. At this stage, winning is everything, and anyone who says it's not just about winning is not a professional athlete."

Amy's co-head coach, Leslie Gallimore, also states: "The most misunderstood thing about Hope is that she doesn't listen to others or doesn't care. But in reality, she's the opposite. She's very considerate. However, she also values her own feelings very highly. The fact that she has her own opinions is often seen negatively, but I think it's a wonderful thing."

Hope cites Amy and Leslie as her mentors and close friends. "I think they are the best people on Earth," Hope asserts. "They hold me accountable. They expect the best from me in every aspect of life, whether it's during a game or not."

From Forward to Goalkeeper: Battling New Pressures

Hope's parents divorced when she was very young. Her father was often absent and not consistently present at home. Amidst this turmoil, soccer became the rhythm of her life. "Sports helped me avoid getting into trouble. Playing soccer allowed me to avoid feeling sorry for myself or confronting my family situation directly. I was able to keep moving forward. I studied hard, and thanks to that, I was able to go to college.—"Without sports, it would have been absolutely impossible. I definitely wouldn't have gone to college." Upon entering university, Hope majored in communication studies, led her soccer team to their first conference championship, and received numerous national awards.—And, perhaps the most significant event in women's soccer history, Hope transitioned to a full-time goalkeeper.

She used to play forward, leading her high school team to the state championship and earning multiple national sports-related awards. "Everyone knew I had a special talent for goalkeeping," Hope recalls. "Perhaps only I didn't know. It took me a full four years to accept that fact and become immersed in it. I prided myself on being able to do anything, whether it was soccer or studying, so I decided to put in as much effort as possible. Gradually, I began to respect the position and understand that I could influence the game, whether I touched the ball or not."

When asked how she deals with the immense pressure of being a goalkeeper, Hope replies, "There are many levels of pressure. There's the pressure I put on myself. There's the pressure of playing in big games in front of the media, family, and friends. People often say that pressure is inherent for athletes, and that's true. However, there are various levels of pressure. As a goalkeeper, it can be quite stressful."

"I get quite nervous before games," she admits. "Not many people know that. However, I play better with pressure. Perhaps it's because I'm always playing to prove something. I always have critics. I have a chip on my shoulder, and perhaps that's part of my personality and part of what helps me fight." She avidly reads self-help books that advocate action over contemplation as an approach to enlightenment and success, which may also explain her remarkable ability to maintain composure and calmness despite the heavy responsibility.

Remaining the Best Goalkeeper

Seattle is the place Hope calls home. She owns a 70-year-old house in Kirkland and is debating whether to sell it as an investment property or renovate it. The house is home to two cats she rescued while living and playing in St. Louis, and a Golden Retriever named Leo. Leo was a gift from her brother, and his name is derived from Hope's zodiac sign. Hope has about three days off per month, which she uses for simple pleasures: taking Leo to the dog park in her boots, watching basketball or boxing matches on TV, playing with her nephews, or going into Seattle to buy crab legs for dinner at the famous fish market. That dinner will likely be accompanied by homemade tortillas and relaxed music.

"It might seem like a very selfish lifestyle. Everything is scheduled. I go on road trips, attend meetings. I can't make calls whenever I want. I can't attend birthdays or weddings. Some people understand that, and others don't. I think it's a big sacrifice. I can go so far in relationships, but I can't go any further. When you prioritize your sport and want to be the best player, that's what happens," she admits.

She fights to maintain her top position and win a second gold medal. "Hope is undoubtedly the best goalkeeper in the world," Amy reiterates. "She's the best keeper in the world even when she's having an off day. I don't think anyone has seen her best play yet."

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