US Women’s National Team star Heather O’Reilly visited the Academy in 2013, 2014, and 2022 to train campers for a day. Her dynamic personality and love for the game inspired athletes and staff.
Highlights from Session III with Heather
Every athlete had the opportunity to work with Heather on the field, participate in a Q&A session and receive an autograph and photo.
About Heather
Heather O’Reilly (or HAO as her teammates call her) is a former midfielder for the U.S. Women’s National Team. HAO was chosen for the Olympic roster in 2004. Over her twelve-year USWNT career, she appeared 231 times and helped the team win three Olympic gold medals (2004, 2008, 2012) and a Women’s World Cup in 2015. She attended the University of North Carolina and led the Tarheels to national championships in 2003 and 2006. UNC retired her no. 20 jersey honoring her into a distinguished group of alumni including Tisha Venturini, Kristine Lilly, and Mia Hamm. HAO has played professionally in both the WPS and NWSL. In 2015, HAO led FC Kansas City to its second NWSL Championship title. In 2017, she joined the Arsenal Ladies. She played there in the Women’s Super League until May 2018. In October 2019, she played her final match for the North Carolina Courage before retiring, winning the 2019 NWSL championship. In July 2022, she announced she was coming out of retirement to play for the Irish club Shelbourne FC and fulfill her dream of competing in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
O’Reilly was a BSA Visiting Pro in 2013, 2014, and 2022.