Hey guys!
I just wanted to write a few words about one of my favorite players, Heather O'Reilly. (I know this is late, but I've been in shock for the past few days.)
Heather O'Reilly. This is a household name. She has been triumphant in making herself known on the U.S Women's National Team. Everyone thought the new kid couldn't fit the shoes of the great Mia Hamm. Number 9 will never be the same. It would be forgotten.
That's the opposite of what happened. Mia Hamm is still legendary, but Heather made the number nine special in her own way as well. When you look at the back of her jersey, you see O'Reilly. She is a legend that changed the game and inspired many young girls. But when you look on the other side, you see the crest of the U.S over her heart. That says so much more.
Not just inspiring girls to be the best they can be, but be themselves. Heather showed girls that they can be goofy and silly with their teammates and still get the job done on the field.
It is also that time to get #ThanksHAO trending. Because she means so much. And I know, this makes you think of all our other retired friends. But this shouldn't be sad! We should be happy. And celebrate Heather's marvelous career. The wins. The loses. The game faces. And most importantly, the memories.
And I know what you're thinking, we, as a fandom, don't even know her personally. But my friends, we do. We've had 15 years to get to know her and fall in love. We will miss her more than her teammates.
But again, let's celebrate and be happy for her. She finally gets to settle down with her husband and start a family. She finally gets to be in one place, in one exact moment. A moment without chaos. But who knows? She might like that.
So this is getting a little long, but I don't care. I could talk about Heather forever. I'll wrap this up with me talking right to her.
Heather. Thank you for being a huge role model for me throughout my life. Getting home from school after a bad day and going on YouTube or Instagram and seeing a funny picture or video of you, always made me feel better. They way you treated your teammates, helped me sculpt my relationships with my fiends. And honestly, I might of stole some of your jokes along the way too. (Sorry!)
Thank you HAO. For everything.
-cat
