UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Ali Krieger, a former professional soccer player who represented the United States regularly in international competition, including two Women’s World Cup championships, will deliver the commencement address for the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications on May 4 at the Bryce Jordan Center.
Krieger, who retired from professional soccer in March 2023 and moved into a role as an analyst for ESPN, earned her bachelor’s degree from Penn State in 2007. She was elected to the University’s Board of Trustees in 2023. Commencement exercises begin at 1 p.m.
Krieger, who most recently played for Gotham FC in the National Women’s Soccer League, was one of the few players who was part of the league since its inception in 2013. She played in 180 league matches, including 35 for Gotham FC.
Her professional soccer career spanned several top-tier clubs, including a stint at FFC Frankfurt, where her contributions were crucial in securing the UEFA Women’s Champions League, marking her as a key player on the international stage.
Krieger’s defensive prowess was instrumental in the U.S. women’s national team’s successes, notably participating in three FIFA Women’s World Cups and securing championships in 2015 and 2019. The 2015 victory was underscored by a defense that set a record for holding opponents scoreless for 540 minutes, with Krieger, a defender, playing an integral role that success.
She later overcame a severe knee injury to compete in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Culminating her career, Krieger captained Gotham FC to its first-ever NWSL championship before announcing her retirement.
During her collegiate years at Penn State, Krieger displayed her versatility by earning All-American honors at two positions.
Krieger is currently working for ESPN as a studio analyst and is a proud mom to Sloane and Ocean.