A Farewell to Captain America

Christie Pearce hangs up her cleats for time to heal.

Koli Marie
Aug 25, 2017 · 2 min read

{Photo Credit: Jefferey Auger Photography}


I remember the first time I met Christie, at a Jillian Loyden Foundation Gala in 2014. We were having a normal conversation, and I had mention I lost my mom the year before.

I hear her words clear as day, as if it just happened. “Did you just say your mom died? Oh, you need a hug!” And she wrapped me up in one of her amazing mom hugs.

This was before I really got into soccer, and so I didn’t really know how many would kill for an interaction like the one I just had. When I realized it, I had a bit of a freak out. THE Captain America had not only hugged me, but she hugged me without me having to ask.

That was the first time I experienced her kindness.

Over the past three years, I’ve seen her kindness up close. I’ve seen just how big her heart is.

I’ve also seen how much of a badass she can be on the field. Her kick ups and the flourishes. The ball floats off her foot through the air.

We were hoping to get to have her on the pitch through the end of the season, her final season, but her health has to come first, as does the health of any player.

Christie helped me fall in love with the game. I’m honored to have met her, written about her, and seen her play. So while it may be a hard pill to swallow, that Cap has officially hung up her cleats, I hold those experiences in my heart forever.

Captain America; The First Avenger. Christie Pearce earned that title, and she owned it.

We’ll miss you Cap. Take care of you.

)
Koli Marie

Written by

Author. Sports writer. Blogger. WoSo. #SVUDieHard. Journalism. #spoonie (she/her) 5/20/14 5/4/15 4/7/16 Nā Mele Mau a Mau, Mariska's Girl

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