Boyds, Maryland (April 8, 2019) — Joanna Lohman is calling it a career.
After 16 years of playing professional soccer, the longtime veteran is hanging up her cleats and moving on to the next phase of her life. Lohman has been a fixture in United States soccer for more than a decade. She not only championed for the growth of women’s soccer in the country, but also the inclusion of LGBTQ athletes in all sports.
Joanna Lohman retires from professional soccer after 16 years
Lohman spent the last four seasons with the Washington Spirit. In Washington’s 2017 season opener, Lohman tore her ACL. However, after more than a year of rehabilitation, Lohman made her triumphant return to the pitch in March 2018 against the Reign FC.
A former Nittany Lion and graduate of Penn State University, Lohman began her career close to home. She was born and raised in Silver Springs, Maryland, and signed with the Maryland Pride in 2001. In 2006, she featured for the Washington Freedom in the former Women’s Professional Soccer league.
Meanwhile, Lohman even took her talents overseas, spending a season in Sweden with Bälinge IF in 2008. She returned to Europe in 2011, signing with RCD Espanyol Femenino. Also, Lohman also spent a portion of her career around the Philadelphia area, featuring for the former Philadelphia Independence.
When the NWSL began in 2013, Lohman joined the Boston Breakers. She remained with the Breakers for two seasons, scoring three goals. However, Lohman was waived by the Breakers following the 2014 season and immediately picked up by her hometown club, the Washington Spirit.
Her Spirit career provided her with 52 appearances. Internationally, Lohman has made nine appearances for the U.S. Women’s National Team.
THIS IS IT!!! After 16 years of playing pro soccer, I’ve decided it's time to RETIRE & say HELLO to the bright future ahead of me. Saturday night was an incredible way to go out & I want to thank EVERYONE who has been a part of this beautiful journey. @WashSpirit
More to come! pic.twitter.com/32tXEFhyII
— Joanna Lohman (@JoannaLohman) April 8, 2019
Lohman will be honored by the team on June 22, which is the Washington Spirit’s PRIDE night.
Joanna Lohman’s legacy in women’s soccer
Dubbed a historical figure in women’s soccer by Washington Spirit CEO Larry Best, Lohman provided a veteran presence for the Spirit in her final seasons. However, when she wasn’t on the pitch, Lohman was the team’s biggest cheerleader.
Although retiring from action on the pitch, Lohman isn’t done working in women’s soccer. The Spirit announced that she will work for the club, “concentrating on community outreach based on soccer’s power to discover and define one’s self-worth and beauty. Lohman will aim to inspire and create a more personal connection with fans, players and those who need help on their journey towards self-acceptance.”
However, this is nothing new for Lohman.
She’s incredibly proud to be part of the LGBTQ+ community, normally sporting rainbow-colored gear during matches. Meanwhile, Lohman is a champion for LGBTQ+ athletes to take part in all sports, not just soccer.
“Joanna is the ultimate professional on and off the field, “Best said. “I’m delighted she has agreed to continue with the Spirit in a variety of duties. She remains an important part of our team and will continue to represent us in the community. Everyone with the Spirit congratulates Joanna on a remarkable playing career.”
Lohman said that she credits soccer to being a massive part of her journey to self-acceptance.
“[Soccer] served as an avenue for me to establish my true identity,” Lohman said. “I personally have experienced the power of sport… I want to make everyone who interacts with our organization to feel comfortable in their own skin.”
There are so many great pictures of @JoannaLohman its hard to choose our favorite but this is a good one to start with.
Share your favorite picture of or with Jo below for some #Forever15 love pic.twitter.com/YOprhrL4Ql
— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) April 8, 2019
Lohman’s fellow and former teammates, WoSo community reacts
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwAHmQmlHOm/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwAQUcWFoFy/
Had the pleasure of knowing @JoannaLohman for half a decade now, what an incredible career. Congrats, and cannot wait to see what you do next Jo! https://t.co/jEeKT4o2jB
— Aaron West (@oeste) April 8, 2019
Hear from @JoannaLohman as she reflects on her career, discusses her new role with the club, and how she's feeling after scoring in her final game #Forever15 pic.twitter.com/SHiDqCBxaz
— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) April 8, 2019
You’ve been amazing @JoannaLohman!! The game & all of us have been lucky that you’ve invested so much of yourself into it — and everything you do! Congratulations. Can’t wait for you to write the next chapter. Your fans will still be right there cheering you on. 👏🏻 https://t.co/8t5q0SDaSf
— Anthony DiCicco (@DiCiccoMethod) April 8, 2019
@JoannaLohman your off-the-field accomplishments include motivating me to lose 40lbs. (Once I saw my 🍺 gut in this pic last September, I had to act!) pic.twitter.com/yTWOa3veZA
— Mark Betka (@mbetka23) April 8, 2019
She is one of the first professional players who have trusted us: @JoannaLohman, the Spirit's Rainbow Warrior, is retiring. We love you Jo, thank you for everything, you wonderful human being!https://t.co/PTFcB62soc
— Women's Soccer FR (@WomensSoccerFr) April 8, 2019
Congratulations, @JoannaLohman, on an incredible career. Thank you for being a vocal, visible advocate for #LGBTQ athletes both on and off the field.
We're proud to call you a member of the @HRC family. ⚽🌈 https://t.co/LmuEgaZqU2
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) April 8, 2019
It’s been so great to shoot photos of you these last few years @JoannaLohman. Going to miss all the smiles, waves, and on the field action. But so excited for all the adventures you have coming up! #LastGamePhotos pic.twitter.com/mzj9NyVFMq
— Kelley Piper 📷⚽️ (@kpiperphotos) April 8, 2019
