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:
Follow Women’s World Football Show on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and our blog at wwfshowblog.com.
Listen to Women’s World Football Show on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Spreaker, TuneIn Radio, Google Play, Castbox, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and direct from our website at www.WWFShow.com.
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.
New Zealand Women’s National Team drops by to chat about the winning formula of the Courage, what makes the team so special, why she feels at home in North Carolina, and more!
Nando Vila
Marie Roberts worked on the books and is here to talk about them, in particular 
Team, Ariane was and still is a great contributor to the success of women’s football in Germany. As a player, Ariane achieved unparalleled accomplishments including 4-time UEFA Euro Champion, 3-time Olympic Bronze Medal winner, and 2-time Women’s World Cup champion. Now, as assistant coach at VfL Wolfsburg, the affable former defender is still impacting the game in the Fruen-Bundesliga.
Westfield W-League Round-Up
to Houston; her assessment of the players and some of the things she’s doing right now to help turn the Dash around in 2018.
Sports journalist from FanSided and former Div 1 women’s soccer player Celia Balf stops by to chat about the 2017 NCAA Div l College Cup Final and the 2017 women’s soccer season. The Stanford Cardinal met their foes from down south, UCLA for what turned out to be a barn-burner ending. Celia, who has a weekly soccer column at FanSided online magazine, breaks down the final match for us.
years old after a stellar career at University of Tennessee. The winner of 2 Olympic bronze medals, Rhian has contributed to the success of the Canada team over the years with her leadership and tactical skills. Now at 34 years old, the Quebec native has decided to hang up her boots. We caught up with Rhian just before she played her last match against Mexico on February 4, 2017.
Emily Roberts
know, the league has plenty of rising young stars, but none brighter than Remy. In just her first season in the league, Remy has turned heads, scoring many crucial goals for the Sky Blues. In this spirited interview, the 17-year old tells us all about her remarkable season, playing along side the likes of Caitlin Foord and Kyah Simon and the dream experience of representing Australia at the youth level. Plus, Remy gives us “behind the scenes” info on many of her Sydney FC teammates and her dream of playing overseas. This is a player on the steps of a great career, so don’t miss a second of this interview! (1:18:00)
Ella is back and better than ever! The fan-favorite footballer updates us on her massive success at FC Rosengård in the Damallsvenskan League in Sweden. Ella also shares her thoughts on football in Sweden, her continuing growth in the game and the opportunities playing and living abroad has offered. With 14 goals in 21 games in 2016, Ella is proving herself to be a goal-scoring threat. What has led to this dramatic role change and what does the future hold for the affable soccer star? Ella gives us the insider scoop.
FAWSL and England
that’s Girls on the Ball! Sophie stops by to give us a look back on FAWSL 1&2 in 2016. Who were the stars of the league and what were some of the biggest matches and moments? And with big changes on the horizon, what does the future look like for both leagues? Sophie lays it all out for us. Plus, a look back on the England squad and insight into what 2017 holds for the team.
NWSL
With 5 World Cups and 2 Olympic games under her belt, the Olympic bronze medalist is the longest serving women’s soccer player in Canadian history. In this entertaining interview, KK takes us back to her childhood, shares her experiences as an elite athlete and brings us up to date on her latest projects. One in particular is 
uth America is an understatement. However apart from Brazil, the women’s game in South America has kept a low a profile. The good news is – things are changing! To understand how, Adam sits down with Argentine executive and women’s sports advocate Carolina Garcia. As a sports marketing professional, Carolina is at the forefront of the South American women’s game movement. How is the game growing in that region? How are the men’s teams helping? What’s being done to help get more women’s teams to bigger stages such as the World Cup and Olympics? Class is in session and Carolina is here to explain it all! (46:46′)
Seattle Reign FC
or Turbine Potsdam in Germany and then later leaving the comfy confines of her hometown for the bustling city of Chicago.