Background
Heather O’Reilly grew up in East Brunswick, NJ and was immediately introduced to sports and competition by her three older brothers. Although her natural athletic ability was seen early on, she credits her family for instilling in her a high level of competitiveness and self-discipline.
She took those attributes and ran with them, successfully making her way up the soccer ranks through the soccer club system in NJ and the NJ Olympic Development Program. This led O’Reilly to a platform of representing her country at the youth national team level, winning the inaugural Under-19 World Cup. Shining in the tournament, Heather was given an opportunity to bring her speed, tenacity, and attacking ability to the US Women’s National Team.
In 2002, at the young age of 17, Heather earned her first cap with the National Team. In 2004, her soccer dreams became a reality by being named the youngest member of the 2004 Olympic Team, which allowed O’Reilly to compete alongside household soccer names such as Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain, Julie Foudy, and Kristine Lilly. O’Reilly proved that she not only could survive, but also thrive at that level. One of her greatest accomplishments is scoring the game winner in the semi-finals of the 2004 Olympics, sending the USWNT into the final, which they went on to win.
From 2003-2006, O'Reilly played for the prestigious soccer powerhouse UNC under the watchful eye of coaching legend Anson Dorrance, winning two national championships with the program and having the honor of her jersey retired.
For nearly 15 years, O'Reilly was a consistent contributor to the U.S. Women's National Team. From 2002-2016, she suited up for her country 231 times, scoring 47 goals with 55 assists. After representing her country in three Olympic Games, and three World Cups, O'Reilly retired from international play on September 15, 2016 in an emotional farewell match against Thailand in which she walked off the field to a standing ovation from her teammates and fans. O'Reilly continues to compete in professional club environments.
Facts
DOB: January 2, 1985
Height: 5' 5"
College: University of North Carolina
Teams: NC Courage
Position: Midfielder
Accolades
US National Team
- 2015 World Cup Champion
- Three-time Olympic Gold Medalist (2004, 2008, 2012)
- Three-time World Cup medalist (2007- Bronze, 2011-Silver, 2015- Gold)
- Retired from international play with 231 caps
- FIFA’s Puska Award Nominee (Goal of the Year)- 2011
- Received her first professional contract in 2007
- Adidas endorsed athlete since 2007
Club
- Played for Sky Blue FC in the WPS 2009-2011
- Won the first ever WPS Championship in 2009
- WPS final MVP
- Played for Boston Breakers of the NWSL (2013-2014)
- Played for FC Kansas City (2015-2016)
- NWSL Champion with FC Kansas City in 2015
- 2018 NWSL Champion
- FA League Cup winner with Aresenal Women
- Current player for North Carolina Courage
College
- Two-time National Champion with UNC
- Co-captained the championship team in 2006;
NCAA tournament MVP
- Three-time ACC Champion
- National Player of the Year (Soccer America)- 2006
- #20 Jersey retired
Heather o'reilly soccer academy
