Going Inside The NWSL

Meg Sullivan, USA

Goal Click and Women in Soccer have teamed up to tell stories of soccer in the United States from the perspective of women making their mark, from cheering in the stands to working in the soccer industry. Women in Soccer is a new network and growing community connecting women and allies in the world of soccer.

Meg Sullivan is the Managing Director, Finance & Administration at the NWSL, based in Chicago. Meg told us about the influence of the “99ers”, her life working for the biggest women’s soccer league, and how Covid-19 affected the NWSL.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your football life?

Hi, I am Meg Sullivan! I’ve been a lifelong sports fan and am currently the Managing Director, Finance & Administration at the NWSL. I live in Chicago with my wife, three kids, and Great Dane. While my soccer career ended in 3rd grade, my love of soccer exploded during the 1999 World Cup. I taped every single game. On VHS. I am almost positive my VHS collection is still in a closet at my parents’ house. After that, I was hooked. The “99ers” are a huge reason I eventually found my way to the NWSL.

Are there any good stories connected with the people or teams you photographed?

I think the photos are so reflective of the pandemic life in 2021. Empty offices, masks and attendance restrictions were the norm. I see resilience in these photos. Things were so hard, and we forced to adapt in real time. The photo with me and my coworkers Dakota and Aries stands out to me. I had worked with Dakota for over a year at this point, but this was the first time I was meeting him in person. I was in Chicago, and he was in New York. Due to the pandemic, we had worked together every day, but it had taken a whole year to finally meet. 

My favorite photo is of my daughter at her first Chicago Red Stars game. Outside of school she did not get to do a whole lot due to the pandemic. She was finally getting old enough and we had a whole city that she could not fully explore. Playing soccer in our living room became a questionable pandemic habit but it really grew her love of soccer. She would always proudly tell people that her mom works “at the soccer team” so I was so excited for her to attend her first game. 

It was a really hot day at the game, and she is 4 years old, so naturally I worried about attention span. If I remember correctly, it was 93 degrees in Chicago that day! The heat did not faze her one bit. I think she welcomed it as it was an excuse to get ice cream. I was worried she would get distracted, but she surprised me and attentively watched the whole game!  She asked about the teams, the players and what was happening. When we got home, she asked if we could play soccer. 

What did you try to show with the photos? Was there any wider meaning with the photos?

I wanted to make sure my coworkers, family and players were all included in the photos. Since my day-to-day soccer life takes place in an office, I wanted to capture some scenes both on and off the field. The locations include the NWSL’s Chicago office, the SeatGeek Stadium (home of the Chicago Red Stars) and the 2021 Challenge Cup Final in Portland. 

I wanted to show that despite all the tough times, there were still so many incredibly bright spots and things to be grateful for. Sports have such a unique ability to bring people together and give them a sense of purpose. During a time when lives were upended and folks were stuck at home, sports gave people something to look forward to; something to root for!

How did Covid-19 affect soccer and the NWSL?

At the NWSL, Covid-19 made us all be more adaptable. Like the rest of the sports world, when we realized our 2020 season was likely not going to happen, we pivoted. Our small but extremely dedicated staff pulled together a new tournament, the Challenge Cup, in a matter of weeks. The NWSL was the first professional sports league back in action. I was so proud to be a part of that team.

While I did not spend a whole of time in my office during the height of Covid, coming into the office was always a breath of fresh air and a welcome change of scenery. Seeing all the “soccer” everywhere gave me a renewed sense of job purpose and satisfaction. 

How was the return to soccer with fans at the Challenge Cup Final?

I travelled to Portland to watch the 2021 Challenge Cup Final. Being in a stadium with fans felt electric, despite capacity restrictions. It had been well over year since I had last seen a sporting event live, let alone travelled. It was overwhelming and I certainly experienced what I have dubbed as “sports tears.”

After a toughly fought 90 minutes, it was tied 1-1. We were heading to a shootout. It was extremely nerve racking, and you could feel the tension in the stadium. The Portland Thorns won the Challenge Cup the shootout 6-5 in front of the home crowd. For me it was such a great return to live soccer and the perfect kickoff to 2021 season. 

Why is soccer so important for the USA and its people?

I can vividly remember how I felt watching the 1999 World Cup during my formative years. As a kid, it was truly inspiring to see these women take the world by storm. I have loved watching soccer in the US evolve over the years and experiencing the unmatched passion of fans young and old. I see that continuing in the NWSL. While my athletic career ended long ago, the lessons I have learned by watching the hard work and dedication of these athletes have stuck with me. I know I am not alone taking that hard work and dedication along with me in my career off the field. 

What does football mean to you and your community?

I am lucky that soccer is in my personal and professional life. I feel uniquely positioned in that what I do at work today can impact the future of the sport for my daughters and son. That is a pretty humbling thought. I want to use my skills to do my part in making soccer stronger, more accessible, and more inclusive for that next kid who is watching a NWSL match at home or on TV. It is amazing how 90 minutes can shape dreams and change lives. 

What are the opportunities for women in soccer in the USA, on and off the field?

During my two years at the NWSL, I have seen a boom in opportunities for women in soccer. More and more women are getting hired on the field and in the front office. We still have a way to go but I am continually seeing progress and feel optimistic that soccer in the US will soon be a more diverse and inclusive place.

Each day more and more people are seeing the true potential of women’s soccer in the US. To be concise, I think the future of women’s soccer in the US is huge, accessible and most of all inclusive.