OUR CAPTAIN
I hope that one day, whether it be now or in the future, you are able to step back and see everything you've created in this city. You built this club from the ground up. Have there been tough times? I'd say yeah, we've had more than enough of those. But you created something much bigger than soccer. Your legacy will live through this community which you built every time you shed blood, sweat and tears for this club; every time you spent hours thinking how to make this team better. I have absolutely no doubt you'll get through this and that you'll lead this team on the right path. You created a club that we can call home, that we can proudly support, and we are so beyond lucky to call you our captain, and this world is also beyond lucky to have you in it. Keep being you because this club, city and community cannot exist without you. You said you guys needed love and support, well, we got you. All these people showing up for the team here? A big part of that is because of you. And that's pretty fucking amazing. We will always be here for this team and we will stick by this club like you've taught us to. Stay safe and take care of yourself, sending you all the love possible. -- A.
Being a fan of yours comes easily, especially for everything you represent and stand up for but for me watching you play brings me so much joy, the way you interact and command the team, the way you love the game and fight so hard inside and outside of the field, not only for your teammates but for a bigger purpose. Thank you for being so inspiring, for bringing so much happiness into our lives, for always being honest and living your truth, for giving us everything and never asking anything back. You have always been so honest and have helped so many people and I can include myself on that but watching you conquer anything that is thrown in your way and always standing up strong is refreshing and inspiring. Not watching you guys play in this tournament is upsetting even more knowing how hard you guys have worked for BUT we know you guys will show up stronger than most people expect and I can not wait to be able to see that moment next. So, thank you Ashlyn for being you but please never forget how special you are. - Georgia
I've been a huge fan of yours for a really long time (going on nine years now!), but my favorite career moment of yours so far has definitely been seeing you more than rise to the occasion as captain of the Pride. The passion, love and pride that you have for this team is evident in everything you do for us on and off the field and the way you lead our team with so much heart is inspiring. I can't imagine anyone better suited to be our captain! I know that you hear this a lot, but the way you've been open about your mental health struggles gave me the strength to be open about mine as well and to get the help I needed, and it's a big part of why I'm still here today. This season went the opposite way of how everyone wanted it to go, but if I'm sure of one thing, it's that you'll overcome and that you'll lead this team to victory next season. I'll be here, proudly wearing your jersey, to cheer you on louder than ever before! - Dani
I am so happy that you captain this club because no one loves this club more than you. It means the world to me to have someone like you who lives and breathes the Orlando Pride badge captain the club that I love. Your passion and love for this team doesn’t go unnoticed and is one of the best things to witness as a Pride fan. Something that you have taught me is to not dwell on the past and focus on the future instead, and I think that is exactly what you will do for this club. Although this season didn’t go the way we wanted it to, I know that you will help pick up the pieces and lead us to victory next season. -- Myra
It's safe to say you have been the heart of this team since it was established. From what we fans get to see through interviews and social media, your leadership is something so special and inspiring; I’m confident your presence will positively guide the team in 2021. I’m eager to see you back in goal! Thank you captain for everything you do both on and off the field. Sending nothing but love and support. - Meredith
Sometimes I'm not sure if you actually realize how big of an impact you've been making on this game, it's hard to put in words everything that you've done for me and all the times you made me feel safe and proud of the person I am regardless of what other's opinions might be. I am so grateful that I found you, your strength makes me a stronger believer in the world, and I need you to know that no matter what the struggles and barriers might be, we will always root for you. -Akemi (Dolly)
Being a goalkeeper myself, I immediately became a fan of yours when I first got into watching women’s football many years ago. You play with so much passion and heart for this city that I could never think of a better player and person to captain our team. One of my favorite things about you is your platform off of the pitch. The strong connection you share with your fans is one of a kind and the hundreds of thousands of people who look up to you is a testament of your character. You’ve helped me through some of the toughest obstacles I’ve faced, I’m sure many can say the same, and I have the utmost respect for you that I don’t think I’ll ever be able to put it into words. Your platform has truly always been bigger than soccer, but thanks for being an amazing goalkeeper anyway that I can admire you on the field and off. I know the current situation sucks, I’m absolutely gutted for the Pride, but if anyone is able to roll their sleeves up and persevere, it’s you. Can’t wait to see you back on that field next year and lead us to victory! - Jill
Honestly, there is just so much to say. You are truly the glue that holds this Orlando Pride community together. Your leadership and passion aren’t just something that happens on the field but off as well. It is so inspiring to see and motivates me in ways I can’t explain. The way you have brought so many people into my life just by being you is something I could never repay you for. The darkness in my life makes me feel so blind and alone sometimes that I feel like I’m drowning and I’m reaching for a life raft to hold onto, you are that life raft for me. And because of the community that you have created, I’m able to go to other life rafts to hold me up when I need it. On the field, seeing the way you organize and conduct the team like an orchestra does not go unnoticed. The respect that the team has for you is so obvious and beautiful to see and it is just a reflection of who you are as a person. We love you and we can’t wait to see you back on the field doing what you love. - Liv
I know you must be taking this so hard, and I’m so sorry that the season happened this way. Your captaincy, just as it has led the Pride for so many years, will continue to lead during this insane time. That same leadership is such an important part of this team, and always has been. The way that you love the city also shows in that; it's obvious that you always want to put out your best to represent the city that you love so much, and you spread that passion to the rest of the team. You’re so vital to whatever success that you have, not only as a captain, but also as the amazing goalie that you are. For another thing, I appreciate the platform that you have built outside of soccer so much, as do we all. You helped me find myself, and you’ve helped me through so much since then, without even knowing it. Thank you for being you. You’ve made such an impact on the game and on the world already. I love you so much. --Ana Lise
Ashlyn,
As a mother of a strong, fierce, beautiful girl, who happens to be an amazing goalkeeper for her high school soccer team, and is also gay, I have to thank you for being so visible and showing her that all her dreams are possible. I am so very grateful she has role models like you and Ali to look up to and strive to be like. Be safe and well and we look forward to seeing you back in net soon.
Hi Ashlyn you are a true inspiration to me through the bad times the world is experiencing just now I suffer bad from depression I have wanted to end it a few times but thanks to you and Ali I haven't I wish you well and hopefully you will be playing soon ❤️ I follow Orlando pride I live in Scotland
You always have our back, time we had yours. Standing with you from all over the country... love from NY. -Emma
Ashlyn,
I cannot to begin to explain how much of a role model you are on and off the field. From watching you play with the USWNT to following your journey with the Orlando Pride, you never disappoint. Time and time again I see you be a leader on the field, supporting your teammates, your staff, your wife. Off the field you advocate heavily for the things that are meaningful to you like the LGBTQ+ community and BLM. It’s inspiring how you advocate so passionately and how you do with such class and grace. Ashlyn you do everything with some much dedication and commitment and it’s a truly value lesson for those around you. It’s dream of mine to mee…
Ashlyn,
There aren't enough words to express how grateful I am to you for being your authentic self. I am so thankful that you and Ali led the way and make me feel that I can live my truth and love out loud! I hope that one day I get the chance in the future to talk to you in person to thank you. The culture you continue to create both on and off of the pitch makes not only me, but others strive to live and love freely. You are the heartbeat of the Orlando Pride! The "Conductor" with a percussive energy that everyone loves!
With Love and Respect,
Lori