Hope Solo is dabbling in golf, and the LPGA is here to help
Hope Solo is an American soccer goalkeeper who has helped her team to win at the Olympics twice and the World Cup in Women’s soccer. She currently plays for the Seattle Reign FC. Hope was the goalie for US national women’s soccer team from 2000 to 2016.
She played collegiate soccer at the University of Washington before playing professionally for the Philadelphia Charge in the Women’s United Soccer Association. However, WUSA folded after just one season. She moved to Europe where she played top-flight soccer in Sweden and France. She later joined the women Professional Soccer from 2009 to 2011 until it collapsed in 2012. Today, she plays for Seattle Reign FC in the National Women’s Soccer League. It is the current top division of women’s soccer in the US
Her international Standing
Hope Solo is renowned as the top female goalie globally. She currently holds the record for career clean sheets in the US. She was the starting goalie for most of the 2007 FIFA Women’s world Cup during which the US reached the semifinals.
She, later on, helped the US to win gold at both the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics. During the 2011 FIFA Women’s world Cup, Hope Solo’s exceptional skill was noted. She took home the gold glove award for the best goalie as well as the Bronze Ball award for her performance.
After her stunning performance at the world cup, she went to feature on a TV show, posed for various magazines, and even published a best-selling autobiography after winning her second Olympic gold medal.
At the 2015 Women’s World Cup, she played a pivotal role in assisting her team in winning the world cup. Hope is still considered the best female goalie of all-time in women’s soccer in the US and all around the world.
Shoulder Trouble
Nine months just before the 2011 world cup, Hope Solo had to undergo shoulder surgery. At the time, she had experienced a 360-degree labrum tear, which can be career-ending, especially for overhead athletes such as those that play volleyball and tennis. The problem was made worse by the fact that a biceps tendon had become detached from her shoulder. There was also a broken bone, a lack of cartilage and a worn-down joint and many other issues.
The shoulder has become so bad since Hope Solo had chosen to ignore it for so long. However, one time it became too bad, and she just walked off the field. However, with good doctors and determination, her shoulder was able to heal. She did not miss the world cup.
Her problems resurfaced again recently when she announced on Facebook that she had a right shoulder operation. She let it be known to the world through a Facebook post.
However, one part of the statement was particularly noteworthy. In it, she admitted that she had not been able to raise her right arm above her head in 10 years. That was quite surprising considering that she had been doing so well on the pitch.
In the Facebook post, Hope Solo did not go into detail about how long she had been dealing with the problem. However, she did leave a link on her Twitter account, which may seem to indicate that she has shoulder arthritis. Her surgery was done at the University of Washington by a team lead by Dr. Matsen.
Why She Had Her Surgery
Hope Solo took advantage of a six-month suspension from the US team to get the surgery. It was after she made some unkind remarks when her team lost to Sweden during the last World Cup. She did not reveal how long the rehab would be, but it is expected to take quite a while. What the operation means for her career is still unknown.
Her problematic shoulder has been with her since the operation she had prior to the 2011 World Cup. The surgery at the time was considered a fix and not really a solution for her problems. This surgery will help her resume almost complete use of her shoulder. During the operation, her humerus bone was replaced with a metallic ball. However, the doctor did not cover the socket with a plastic, which may break down with time. Instead, he simply smoothened it.
Her Golfing Endeavors
After her surgery, she decided to take up some golf to pass the time. She recently posted a photo on Twitter indicating that he might be taking up golf. She even mentioned the LPGA is her tweet.
The LPGA seemed thrilled by Hope’s new hobby and even offered to help. Their twitter account replied that they would be more than willing to offer her lessons on golf. A Female LPGA star, Gerina Piller also added to the twitter conversation with an offer of her personal services.
However, hope is unlikely to leave her career for golf seeing as she is already so successful in women’s soccer. Despite that, it is still interesting to know how this superb soccer star is spending her free time off the pitch.