ORLANDO, Fla. – March 10, 2016 – Orlando Pride defender Taryn Hemmings has retired from professional soccer, the Club announced today. Hemmings, 29, was selected by the Pride with the No. 3 pick in the 2016 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Expansion Draft after three seasons with the Chicago Red Stars.

“I've finally truly made the decision to say goodbye to soccer. It was always going to be an impossible choice but I think right now with all things considered, the timing is right,” Hemmings said. “I'm so disappointed that I won't be able to play for Orlando because I know it will be an amazing club and fanbase. So, thank you to all those who've already shown me so much support there!”

Hemmings will be leaving the game of soccer to put full-focus on Sweat Cosmetics, a beauty care line she co-founded last year with fellow women’s soccer players.

“Although we would have loved to have Taryn on our roster this year we completely understand and respect her decision to retire from soccer,” said Pride Head Coach Tom Sermanni. “We'd like to congratulate her on a very distinguished and successful career and wish her ever success moving forward with her new and exciting business venture.”

A graduate of the University of Denver, Hemmings was a member of the Boston Breakers from 2010-12 and was later signed by the Red Stars for the inaugural NWSL season. Over her three years with the Red Stars, Hemmings appeared in 47 matches for 3,666 minutes.

The defender also had stints with Australia’s Canberra United and Denmark’s Fortuna Hjørring.