Another USWNT star is hanging up her boots.
Crystal Dunn announced her retirement from professional soccer, posting a heartfelt message on Instagram.
“This decision has not come easily, but I am at peace and deeply fulfilled with all that I have accomplished," she said. "I’ve achieved nearly everything I dreamed of in this sport and gave all I had to give…This was not a decision made lightly, but was one made with immense gratitude for everything I’ve experienced as a professional soccer player. I’ve grown through multiple challenges, celebrated incredible triumphs, and cherished every part of the journey…Turning the page is never easy. There is so much history, so many memories tied to spaces I’ll never experience again. The life of a professional athlete can never truly be replicated but I’m excited to continue impacting the game from new perspectives.”
Selected by Washington Spirit with the first overall pick in the 2014 NWSL Draft, finishing her rookie year third in Rookie of the Year voting, she spent three seasons with the club before joining Chelsea, where she played under current USWNT manager Emma Hayes,. Returning to the NWSL Dunn enjoyed stints with North Carolina Courage, Portland Thorns FC, and Gotham FC before finishing her career with Paris Saint-Germain.
Dunn finishes her international career with 25 goals, tying her for 27th on the all-time goals list after playing primarily as a defender, 20 assists, and 160 appearances for the Red, White and Blue.
The former NWSL MVP, Golden Boot winner, 3-time Shield Winner, 3-time NWSL Champion, World Cup Champion, and Olympic Gold Medalist will be remembered for the major impact that she had each and every time she stepped out onto the field, and inspiring a generation of young soccer players.
