Gotham FC's “Bats” rock the White House after making history with President Biden

Women's sports have continued to break barriers, and the NJ/NY Gotham FC, 2023 NWSL champions, is one of the most powerful examples of such evolution. Having fought through challenges and victories, this team became the first NWSL Champions to be officially welcomed into the White House-a milestone not only for soccer but for women's sports in general. Of course, President Joe Biden didn't miss an opportunity for wordplay about the players' nickname, calling them "Gotham's bats," a playful reference to their name, taken from the fictional city from Batman's world.

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 From Last Place to the Top

The story of Gotham FC wasn't a fairy tale from the very beginning. Formed in 2021 after rebranding the old Sky Blue FC, this club embodies the story of resilience-a team that has seen it all, from finishing last in the NWSL in 2022 to bouncing back in the following year to claim the championship. Their road to victory was not easy, but players were quite relentless and determined in winning three consecutive away games in the playoffs, sealing the final with a dramatic win of 2-1 against Seattle Reign.

President Biden also saluted that resilience in his remarks, praising the team's ability to remake themselves and set an example. Biden went on to point out the team's influence off the field, particularly in the fight for pay equity and better working conditions in women's soccer.

Ali Krieger's Legacy

The team was represented at the ceremony by captain Ali Krieger, a true soccer legend. The New Zealand-born defender retired after Gotham's championship win, but not before she made herself the team's spokesperson with a stirring speech. In a lot of ways, the title to Krieger is about more than just wins, but about opening the door for the next generation. "Every time we step on the field, we think of the young girls who dream of a future in sports," said the former player, adding that the moment was more than being the first NWSL team to ever visit the White House, but making sure they are not the last.

Krieger's impact extends way beyond the pitch. She was part of a generation of athletes who fought on and off the pitch to demand more visibility and equity in women's soccer. This is such a strong impact that years into retirement, she remains an outspoken voice for those players following in her footsteps.

First, But Not Last

Gotham FC was the first NWSL team ever to visit the White House to celebrate a championship, and as Krieger so eloquently put it, this moment is about being first, but more importantly, making sure they are not the last. Their success mirrored women's soccer over the past couple of years, with more fans, increased engagement, and more recognition; the fight for equality, though, is far from over.

The road to recognition in women's sports is still very rocky, but it's moments like this that ensure the future is bright. Coming out on top in an increasingly competitive league, Gotham FC has become a beacon of resilience and hope to future generations of athletes.

Women's Soccer

Women's soccer, much like many other women's sports, is incredibly important to ensuring equity and equality. Recognition at high-visibility events-like a White House reception-of teams like Gotham FC extends the conversation about the role and place of women in sport and society.

Sports reflect the change in society, and women's soccer here in the United States has shown that equity in all walks of life is yet to be achieved. President Biden drove home that point when he said, "Everything a man can do, a woman can do, including being president of the United States."

Current Standing of Gotham FC

In the current NWSL season, as it wears on, Gotham FC sits third in the standings, having already clinched a playoff berth. With and without capes, Gotham FC players proved to be able to soar. This team went beyond mere title-clinching; they drew respect from a nation-one shining example of perseverance and leadership in women's sports. Now, more than ever, the future is bright for all those little girls who, while watching these athletes, know that one day they, too, can become champions-on and off the field.