Ashlyn Harris
U.S. Women's Soccer goalkeeper, two Olympic golds, World Cup champion
Ashlyn Harris is an American professional soccer goalkeeper born on April 16, 1985. She has had one of the most successful careers in women's soccer history, representing the United States at the highest levels of international competition. Harris was selected to the U.S. Women's National Team and became a key goalkeeper during a dominant era for American women's soccer. She won two Olympic gold medals with Team USA (2012 in London and 2016 in Rio de Janeiro) and was a crucial member of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup championship team. Throughout her career, she competed with the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), playing for various professional teams and demonstrating exceptional skill and leadership in the goalkeeper position. Harris was known for her athleticism, shot-stopping ability, and composure under pressure. Beyond her playing career, she has been involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy and has been open about her identity, using her platform to promote inclusion in sports. Her contributions to women's soccer extend beyond her performances to her work promoting the sport's growth and visibility. Harris's career represents the professionalization and global recognition of women's soccer as a major sport.
Athlete
American
1985
Thinking about the name
Ashlyn
English origin
“A feminized elaboration of Ashley, combining the Old English 'ash tree meadow' with the -lyn suffix, which became wildly popular in the 1990s. Ashlyn feels more distinctly feminine and elaborate than the unadorned Ashley, while maintaining accessibility and charm. It's become a contemporary classic.”