Wikipedia

Nicole Barnhart

Nicole Renee Barnhart (born October 10, 1981) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for the Washington Spirit of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). She previously played for FC Gold Pride and Philadelphia Independence in Women's Professional Soccer, and for the United States national team where she was a two-time Olympic gold medalist. She competed in qualifying matches for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, 2011 Four Nations Tournament and 2011 Algarve Cup.

Nicole Barnhart
Barnhart representing the United States in 2011
Personal information
Full name Nicole Renee Barnhart[1]
Date of birth (1981-10-10) October 10, 1981 (age 43)
Place of birth Pottstown, Pennsylvania, United States
Height 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Team information
Current team
 Washington Spirit
Number 28
Youth career
Boyertown Soccer Club
1992–1998 Souderton Gems
1998–2000 FC Delco
College career
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2000–2004 Stanford Cardinal 71 (0)
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2006–2009 California Storm
2009–2010 FC Gold Pride 37 (0)
2011 Philadelphia Independence 9 (0)
2013–2017 FC Kansas City 108 (0)
2018–2020 Utah Royals 32 (0)
2021 Kansas City 2 (0)
2022– Washington Spirit 3 (0)
International career‡
2004–2013 United States 54 (0)
Medal record
Women's soccer
Representing the  United States
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place 2008 Beijing Team
Gold medal – first place 2012 London Team
FIFA Women's World Cup
Bronze medal – third place 2007 China Team
Silver medal – second place 2011 Germany Team
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of June 11, 2023
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of October 27, 2013

Early life

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Barnhart was born in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania. She attended Boyertown High School in Berks County, Pennsylvania, where she played for the boys' team for all four years, playing on the field as well as in goal. She also played basketball and lacrosse, and was named an All-American.[2]

Stanford University

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Barnhart played college soccer for the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford University. She was named an all-Pacific-10 Conference player in 2002, 2003 and 2004, and holds the Stanford women's record for lowest career goals-against average (0.41).[3]

Club career

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Nicole Barnhart in 2013

In 2009, Barnhart was allocated to FC Gold Pride for the inaugural season of Women's Professional Soccer (WPS).[2]

In 2010, Barnhart helped the FC Gold Pride to the 2010 WPS title, starting 21 games and playing 1880 minutes while making 73 saves and allowing just 16 goals. She had eight shutouts, including the WPS championship game, and was named the WPS Goalkeeper of the Year and a WPS All-Star. She made 74 saves, allowed 23 goals for a 1.44 goals against average (GAA) and earned two shutouts.[2]

In 2011, she signed with the Philadelphia Independence for the 2011 WPS season and started nine total matches to help the club to a WPS playoff berth and a berth in the championship game. She earned a shutout in the 2–0 Super Semifinal victory against magicJack. Barnhart compiled a 4–3–2 record with three shutouts and had a goals against average (GAA) of 1.11.[2]

FC Kansas City, 2013–2017

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On January 11, 2013, Barnhart was one of three members from the United States women's national team that was allocated to the new NWSL club FC Kansas City, along with Lauren Cheney and Becky Sauerbrunn via the NWSL Player Allocation. Her 2013 regular-season record of ten scoreless "clean sheet" games remained until surpassed by Adrianna Franch in the longer 2017 season. She was named NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year for the 2013 season.[4]

Barnhart appeared in 22 games in 2014, recording 8 clean sheets. She played in both the semi-final and final for FCKC, helping them to win the 2014 NWSL Championship over the Seattle Reign.[5]

In 2015 she was named to the NWSL Second XI and nominated for Goalkeeper of the Year[6] after recording 8 clean sheets in 17 games. Barnhart was crowned NWSL Champion again in 2015 as FC Kansas City defeated Seattle Reign in the final for the second straight year.[7]

Barnhart had similarly strong numbers in 2016, starting 20 games and recording 6 clean sheets, but FC Kansas City failed to qualify for the playoffs. In 2017 Barnhart started all 24 games for FC Kansas City, and recorded 6 shutouts, however FCKC missed the playoffs for the second straight year.[8]

Utah Royals FC, 2018–2021

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After FC Kansas City ceased operations following the 2017 season, Barnhart was officially added to the roster of the Utah Royals FC on February 12, 2018.[9] Barnhart made her debut for the Royals on June 2 against Sky Blue FC as starting goalkeeper Abby Smith was away on international duty.[10]

KC NWSL, 2021

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Prior to the start of the 2021 season the Utah Royals were sold to KC NWSL.[11] Barnhart and Abby Smith split time until Barnhart was released on July 28 by the club.[12]

Washington Spirit, 2022—

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Barnhart signed with Washington Spirit in January 2022.[13] She made her first appearance for the team as a stoppage-time substitute for Aubrey Kingsbury on June 11, 2023, in a 2–1 win against Angel City FC. At 41 years and 243 days old, the appearance made her the second-oldest player to appear in a NWSL match, behind Christie Pearce.[14]

International career

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Barnhart has appeared in 53 matches for the United States women's national soccer team. She made her debut in a five-minute appearance as forward against Mexico on October 16, 2004.[15] As the third U.S. goalkeeper at the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup, she was only expected to see action in the event of injuries to Hope Solo and Briana Scurry.[16]

Barnhart was the hero of the U.S. Women's 2008 CONCACAF final against Canada when she saved a penalty that won the final.[17]

Barnhart was a member of the gold medal-winning USA team at 2008 Beijing Olympic, although she did not appear in a match with Hope Solo playing all six U.S. matches.[18]

 
2011 United States women's national soccer team players, Jillian Loyden, Nicole Barnhart, Lori Lindsey, and Ali Krieger, with United States Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.

In 2010, with Solo out for shoulder surgery and recovery, Barnhart started 11 matches, with 8 wins, 1 loss, and 2 draws, and allowed 5 goals in 990 minutes; including 5 matches in CONCACAF qualifying tournament for FIFA Women's World Cup and 2 shutout playoff matches against Italy that secured the berth for 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup. In 2011, she started 9 matches and won 2 tournaments, at the Four Nations Tournament in China in January and the Algarve Cup in Portugal in March; with 6 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw.[2] She was on the roster for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup alongside Hope Solo, but did not get playing time.[19]

At the 2012 London Olympics, Nicole Barnhart received her second Olympic gold medal as a standby goalkeeper for the United States; she did not get playing time, with Hope Solo playing every minute of the United States' six matches.[20]

As a standby goalkeeper to Briana Scurry and Hope Solo, Barnhart did not compete in a single match in an Olympic or a FIFA World Cup tournament.[2][21]

Coaching

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Barnhart is currently a volunteer assistant coach at Stanford University.[3] In the 2011 season as a volunteer assistant coach, she helped lead her alma-mater, the Stanford Cardinal, to its first national championship in Kennesaw, Georgia. The Cardinal defeated the Duke Blue Devils 1–0.[22]

Personal life

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Barnhart became the secretary of the NWSL Players Association in 2017.[23] In July 2024, she was one of five active NWSL players who represented the NWSLPA at the final negotiations in Philadelphia that updated the league's collective bargaining agreement through 2030.[24]

Career statistics

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Club career

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Updated March 23, 2019

Team Season League Domestic league Domestic playoffs Total[25]
Apps Starts Minutes Shutouts Apps Starts Minutes Shutouts Apps Starts Minutes Shutouts
California Storm 2006– WPSL
Total
FC Gold Pride 2009 WPS 15 15 1350 2 — — — — 15 15 1350 2
2010 21 21 1880 7 1 1 90 1 22 22 1970 8
Total 36 36 3230 9 1 1 90 1 37 37 3320 10
Philadelphia Independence 2011 WPS 9 9 840 2 2 2 180 1 11 11 1020 3
Total 9 9 840 2 2 2 180 1 11 11 1020 3
FC Kansas City 2013 NWSL 20 20 1800 10 1 1 120 0 21 21 1920 10
2014 22 22 1980 8 2 2 180 1 24 24 2160 9
2015 17 17 1530 8 2 2 180 2 19 19 1710 10
2016 20 20 1800 6 — — — — 20 20 1800 6
2017 24 24 2160 6 — — — — 24 24 2160 6
Total 103 103 9270 38 5 5 480 3 108 108 9750 41
Utah Royals FC 2018 NWSL 8 7 648 3 — — — — 8 7 648 3
2019 20 20 1800 10 — — — — 20 20 1800 10
Total 28 27 2448 13 — — — — 28 27 2448 13
Career total 176 175 15788 62 8 8 750 5 184 183 16538 67

International career

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Nation Year International appearances
Apps Starts Minutes Shutouts
United States 2004 1 0 5 0
2005 2 2 180 2
2007 1 1 90 1
2008 13 8 885 5
2009 3 2 225 2
2010 11 11 990 7
2011 10 9 810 3
2012 5 1 270 1
2013 8 5 540 3
Career total 54 39 3995 24

Honors and awards

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Nicole Barnhart playing for FC Gold Pride at the 2010 WPS Championship game. FC Gold Pride won the championship match 4–0.

International

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Club

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with FC Gold Pride:

with FC Kansas City:

Individual

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U.S. Soccer administration

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In the fall 2021 United States Soccer Federation elections, Barnhart won a seat to the federation's board of directors on its Athletes' Council.[28][29]

In March 2022, Barnhart was part of the Players' Commissioner Search Committee for the NWSL that selected Jessica Berman as the league's new commissioner.[30]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011 – List of Players: USA" (PDF). FIFA. July 28, 2014. p. 16. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 22, 2019. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "NICOLE BARNHART". USSoccer.com. Archived from the original on August 11, 2009.
  3. ^ a b "Nicole Barnhart assistant coach profile". Stanford University. Archived from the original on February 19, 2012. Retrieved November 16, 2012.
  4. ^ "Goalkeeper of the Year: Nicole Barnhart". National Women's Soccer League. Archived from the original on September 29, 2013. Retrieved October 10, 2013.
  5. ^ "FC Kansas City crowned 2014 NWSL Champions!". August 31, 2014. Retrieved July 3, 2018.
  6. ^ Froh, Tim (September 17, 2015). "Thorns FC's Michelle Betos 'shocked' and humbled by NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year recognition". Portland Thorns FC. Archived from the original on June 27, 2024.
  7. ^ "What we learned from KC's 1-0 win over Seattle". October 2, 2015. Retrieved July 3, 2018.
  8. ^ "Nicole Barnhart Stats". June 30, 2018. Retrieved July 3, 2018.
  9. ^ "Utah Royals FC welcome New Zealand International Katie Bowen, GK Nicole Barnhart & NWSL standouts Rebecca Moros and Alex Arlitt". February 12, 2018. Retrieved July 3, 2018.
  10. ^ "Sky Blue FC vs Utah Royals FC". June 2, 2018. Retrieved July 3, 2018.
  11. ^ "Utah Royals FC Officially Sold To Group In Kansas City". December 7, 2020.
  12. ^ "Kansas City NWSL Waives Goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart". June 28, 2021. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
  13. ^ "Washington Spirit Sign Goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart to One-Year Deal" (Press release). Washington Spirit. January 31, 2022.
  14. ^ "Washington Spirit Postgame Notes: June 10th vs. Angel City FC" (Press release). Washington Spirit. June 10, 2023. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
  15. ^ "U.S. Women Top Mexico 1–0 on Hucles Tally". United States Soccer Federation. October 17, 2004. Archived from the original on March 18, 2012. Retrieved October 13, 2009.
  16. ^ "Previous Tournament: FIFA Women's World Cup: China 2007". FIFA. Archived from the original on December 27, 2011.
  17. ^ "U.S. Women's National Team Downs Canada in Penalty Kick Shootout to Win 2008 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying". United States Soccer Federation. April 13, 2008. Archived from the original on March 18, 2012. Retrieved October 13, 2009.
  18. ^ Miedema, Laurence (July 28, 2007). "Four ex-local stars on team". The Oakland Tribune. Oakland, California. Retrieved October 13, 2009. [dead link‍]
  19. ^ "Previous Tournament: FIFA Women's World Cup: Germany 2011". FIFA. Archived from the original on March 2, 2013.
  20. ^ "Women's Olympic Football Tournament London 2012: USA – Statistics". FIFA. Archived from the original on September 24, 2008.
  21. ^ "FIFA Player Statistics: Nicole Barnhart". USSoccer.com. Archived from the original on August 20, 2008.
  22. ^ "Stanford wins first women's soccer title". ESPN. December 4, 2011. Retrieved November 16, 2012.
  23. ^ "Re-Elected NWSLPA Officers Tori Huster and Nicole Barnhart on the Future of the League". Washington Spirit. September 15, 2022. Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  24. ^ Yang, Steph (August 22, 2024). "Inside NWSL and the players' union's new CBA after 10 months of bargaining". The Athletic. Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  25. ^ "Nicole Barnhart Stats". Soccerway. Retrieved March 23, 2019.
  26. ^ "FC Gold Pride wins WPS championship". ESPN. September 26, 2010. Retrieved March 23, 2019.
  27. ^ "FC Kansas City Earns 2014 NWSL Championship". FC Kansas City. August 31, 2014. Retrieved November 12, 2014.
  28. ^ Kennedy, Paul (February 17, 2022). "Who's who: U.S. Soccer's Athletes' Council, which could decide presidential election". Soccer America. Retrieved April 29, 2023.
  29. ^ "MEMBERS OF THE USSF BOARD". United States Soccer Federation. Retrieved April 29, 2023.
  30. ^ Hruby, Emma (March 9, 2022). "NWSL names Jessica Berman commissioner after five-month search". Just Women's Sports. Retrieved April 29, 2023.

Further reading

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  • Grainey, Timothy (2012), Beyond Bend It Like Beckham: The Global Phenomenon of Women's Soccer, University of Nebraska Press, ISBN 0803240368
  • Lisi, Clemente A. (2010), The U.S. Women's Soccer Team: An American Success Story, Scarecrow Press, ISBN 0810874164
  • Stevens, Dakota (2011), A Look at the Women's Professional Soccer Including the Soccer Associations, Teams, Players, Awards, and More, BiblioBazaar, ISBN 1241047464
  • Stewart, Barbara (2012), Women's Soccer: The Passionate Game, Greystone Books Ltd, ISBN 1926812603
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