Exclusive interview with Ruth Harker, legendary USWNT goalkeeper of the iconic 1985 inaugural national team

It’s the last show the 2022 and we’re dialing it back to 1985 with special guest founding member of the USWNT goalkeeper Ruth Harker. The St. Louis Soccer Hall of Famer stops by to share her experiences as one of the first goalkeepers in USWNT history. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the women’s game here in the US, this episode is for you!

As former guest Julie Foudy says, “it’s important to understand the shoulders in which we stand on.” And Ruth was a big part of the beginnings of this powerhouse program.

Ruth Harker

As a standout goalkeeper at University of Missouri-St. Louis, Ruth Harker was selected to the inaugural US Women’s National Team by then head coach Mike Ryan. The team participated in the Olympic festival before heading to the prestigious Mundialito tournament in Italy. Ruth shares her experiences in this honest and endearing interview.

As a pioneer of the women’s game, Ruth’s story has appeared in many books and articles over the years but still the story of the 85ers remains overshadowed by the more popular 99ers. Join us as we travel back to 1985 to learn about this historic time in women’s soccer history with Ruth Harker! (17’)

Plus…

The thrilling recap of the 2022 NCAA Women’s Soccer Championship final between UCLA vs University of North Carolina

Episode Links

Ruth Harker article – https://stlsoccerhalloffame.com/member/harker-ruth-2019/

Ruth Harker inducted into the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame – https://stlsoccerhalloffame.com/member/harker-ruth-2019/

Listen to Joanna Lohman talk about her book Tomorrow’s Champions – https://wwfshow.com/2021/04/11/episode-189-joanna-lohman/

Listen to STL United FC on 590 The Fan radion show – https://590thefan.com/radio-shows/stl-united-fc/

Listen to Julie Foudy on Episode 209 – https://wwfshow.com/2022/11/28/episode-209-julie-foudy/

Catch Patty’s new YouTube Show Mission California – https://mission-california.com/

More WWFShow Links:

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Photo Courtesy of St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame

Original Broadcast Date: December 27, 2022

Women’s World Football Show is hosted, written, edited and produced by Patty La Bella.

Additional assistance for this episode by Ruth Harker and Ted Williams.

Women’s World Football Show website design and theme music by Patricia La Bella

Women’s World Football Show® is a registered trademark and its audio and logo cannot be used without expressed written authorization.