There are moments when you can feel a change happening before you can fully explain it. For me, women’s soccer in Atlanta feels like one of those moments.
I’ve watched soccer in Georgia grow for many years, but I’ve also experienced that growth personally. My sister-in-law grew up playing soccer in Georgia, and today my 13-year-old daughter is playing the game herself. The opportunities, visibility and expectations between their generations are remarkably different. Perhaps most importantly, so is the belief in what is possible.
But women’s soccer in Georgia didn’t suddenly appear. Generations of women helped build the foundation we enjoy today. Leaders like Marilyn Childress, Barbara Jones, Karon Beyer, Susan Colon and Laura Halpenny, alongside countless players, coaches, referees, administrators and volunteers, helped create opportunities long before women’s soccer received the attention it does today.
We are fortunate to be standing on their shoulders.
At Rush Union, we’re proud to contribute to that growth, but we’re certainly not alone. Our responsibility is to create environments where girls can develop, build confidence and see a future for themselves in soccer. Importantly, that future must extend beyond playing. We need more women coaching, refereeing, leading organizations and making decisions that shape our game.
Atlanta is entering an exciting chapter. Atlanta United demonstrated what professional soccer could become in this city, and Atlanta City FC’s arrival in the NWSL in 2028 represents another significant opportunity. Alongside the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center and the incredible support shown for the U.S. Women’s National Team, Atlanta has the infrastructure, passion and momentum to become a national leader in women’s soccer.
For my daughter, having professional female players competing in her own city changes what she can imagine for herself. She can watch them, follow their careers and see women succeeding throughout the sport. That visibility matters.
The opportunity now is to connect everything. Professional clubs, U.S. Soccer, Georgia Soccer, youth organizations, schools and community partners all have a role in building pathways that allow women and girls to participate and remain involved throughout their lives.
At Rush Union, we recognize that we’re not creating this movement. We’re part of it, building on the work of those who came before us and hopefully leaving something better for those who follow.
That’s what it means to Play it Forward.
My sister-in-law benefited from previous generations, my daughter benefits from hers, and hopefully my daughter’s generation will create even greater opportunities for those who follow.
Ultimately, growth isn’t simply measured by participation numbers, bigger crowds or professional contracts. It’s measured by how many women and girls can find their place in the game and have the support to stay involved.
Somewhere in Georgia today, a young girl is playing soccer. Whether she becomes a professional player, coach, referee, administrator or simply a lifelong supporter, I want her to believe there is a place for her.
The next chapter of soccer in Atlanta shouldn’t just be about women having a seat at the table. It should be about ensuring they help decide what that table looks like.
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