At the beginning of the offseason, the Orlando Pride made a big trade with the Washington Spirit. The Pride gave the Spirit the #2 slot in the NWSL’s distribution ranking order. In return, the Pride got one of the best defenders in the world.

Ali Krieger is a right back who played with the Washington Spirit for the first four NWSL seasons. She is a veteran of the USWNT, where she appeared on the roster’s for both the 2016 Olympics and the 2015 Women’s World Cup. Now, she finds herself in Orlando.

“I’m really honored to be here,” Krieger said in a recent interview. “I’m so happy that I came to Orlando and that Tom [Sermanni] wanted me to come here. I’m really thrilled to be a part of the family and the community.”

Krieger brings a lot to the Orlando Pride roster. As a veteran both on and off the field, she has the potential to really step up as a leader for the team. She knows the league, and she knows what it takes to get to a championship.

“I want to jump right in and help lead this team,” Krieger said. “I want to help lead this team as a veteran; obviously coming into a new team that’s difficult. But I hope to jump right in, bring that type of energy, that influence, and help be a role model for some of these younger players. And make an impact, right away. That’s something that I hope I can and that I know I can do.”

The move reunites Krieger with some of her fellow national team veterans such as Ashlyn Harris and Alex Morgan. It also reunites Krieger with former U.S national team head coach Tom Sermanni.

“Playing for Tom again is incredible,” Krieger said. “I’m so honored to play for him and to be a part of his journey. I think with the national team, playing for him was so much fun. I really enjoyed it; he knew how to get the best out of me.”

For Krieger, coming to the Pride is the natural next step in her journey. She believes that the Pride set the standard in the NWSL last season in terms of professionalism, and she is thrilled to be in an organization with such levels of excellence.

“It’s first class, and it treats its players and the staff members well,” Krieger said. “It also has a connection with not only family but community. I already feel like a part of the family, and that’s how players should feel, that you’re supported and everyone’s hear to make sure that things are gonna run smoothly, and in a healthy and positive direction.”

Overall, Krieger says, she’s just excited for the season to start.

“I’m starting a new chapter,” Krieger said. “I’m fully, 110% here. All of my energy will be put into this team. I’m just excited to get started.”