Orlando Pride's Historic NWSL Championship Victory

The Orlando Pride's first NWSL Championship represents more than just sporting excellence - it symbolizes the changing face of women's soccer and the urgent need for continued support of diversity in the National Women’s Soccer League. Led by Brazilian legend Marta and the dynamic Barbra Banda, the Pride's victory showcases the beautiful diversity of what a woman looks like, what toughness as an athlete looks like, and what makes the NWSL special.

I rooted for them to win for the same reasons I rooted for the New York Liberty to win the WNBA Championships: The Washington Spirit defeated the NC Courage during their last game and last home game of the season (just like the Lynx defeated one of my favorite teams, the Connecticut Sun). The Orlando Pride had yet to win a championship. Gotta root for the underdogs! I mean, if that’s what you could rightly call Marta and Barbra Banda.

Marta's journey with the Orlando Pride has been nothing short of legendary. Since joining the team in 2017, she has been the cornerstone of the Pride's development, mentoring young talents and consistently delivering world-class performances. Her commitment to the club spans eight seasons, making her one of the longest-serving players in Pride history.

Beyond her club achievements, Marta's Olympic record stands as a testament to her extraordinary career longevity. She has represented Brazil in six Olympic Games (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024), becoming the first footballer - male or female - to score in five consecutive Olympics. Her silver medals from 2004 and 2008 highlight her impact on the international stage, while her total of 14 Olympic goals ranks among the highest in women's football history. She even gave a special message to Kamilla Cardoso in a way only she could.

Barbra Banda's journey has been equally remarkable. Her explosive performances and goal-scoring prowess earned her the prestigious BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award in 2024, making her the first Zambian player to receive this honor. The award recognized not only her exceptional talent on the field but also her role as an inspirational figure for young athletes across Africa.

Since joining the Pride in 2023, Banda has set numerous records, including becoming the first player to score multiple hat-tricks in their debut NWSL season. Her combination of speed, technical skill, and clinical finishing has transformed the Pride's attacking capabilities, while her leadership both on and off the field has made her an invaluable presence in the locker room. The Pride's multicultural roster, featuring players from over ten different nations, has proven that bringing together diverse talents and perspectives creates a stronger, more dynamic team. Their success story serves as a blueprint for other clubs looking to build winning cultures through inclusive practices.

Progress Requires Protection

The championship win is particularly meaningful given the challenges faced by players like Barbra Banda, who have shown remarkable resilience in the face of misogynistic, homophobic, and racist attacks. Her success, alongside Marta's legendary status, demonstrates the importance of creating an inclusive environment where all players can thrive and feel safe playing the sport they love.

The recent NWSL collective bargaining agreement (CBA) marks a significant step forward in protecting players' rights and well-being. The new contract includes enhanced salary structures, improved healthcare benefits, and stronger anti-discrimination policies. These protections are crucial for creating a sustainable and equitable professional environment for all players. As the NWSL continues to grow, the league must build on this momentum by:

• Implementing stronger pay parity and pay transparency

• Expanding mental health and wellness services for players

• Advocate for more mainstream media exposure for games

The Orlando Pride's championship victory serves as both a celebration and a reminder - that while progress has been made, the work of creating a truly inclusive and supportive environment for all players must continue. As the league moves forward, the success of diverse teams like the Pride shows that embracing and supporting players of all backgrounds isn't just the right thing to do - it's the path to excellence.

Penned,

Angela 🤙🏾✨

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