Ali Krieger: “Our community faces enormous challenges: a pandemic and global inflation, growing climate-related risks and an ever-changing job market. The way we react and adapt for the future will determine our university’s legacy.” (USA TODAY Sports)

Gotham FC defender Ali Krieger is running for a seat on the board of trustees at her alma mater, Penn State University and is among the nine final candidates for the three open seats.

The ballot was distributed to school alumni on April 10, with the voting period set to end on May 4 at 9 a.m. ET. All Penn State alumni are eligible to vote.

In a letter to the editor of Penn State’s Daily Collegian, Krieger and her PSU Forward running mates, attorney Melissa Kuritzky and investment strategist Uma Moriarity, shared their reasons for running for the board:

“Our community faces enormous challenges: a pandemic and global inflation, growing climate-related risks and an ever-changing job market. The way we react and adapt for the future will determine our university’s legacy. We can rise to the challenge and solidify Penn State’s status as a leader on the international stage. If we do nothing, we will fall behind our peers. That’s why we’re running for Penn State’s Board of Trustees.”

Krieger played at Penn State from 2003–07 and led the Nittany Lions to four consecutive Big Ten championships. Krieger was a member of three Women’s World Cup teams for the U.S. (2011, 2015, and 2019) – winning in 2015 and 2019, and has been a star in the professional ranks in the NWSL and overseas. Last March, Krieger announced the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League season with Gotham FC will be the final one of her career.

In addition to her on-field success as an athlete, Krieger is revered by her peers and fans for her tireless commitment off the pitch. She has utilized her spotlight to serve as an advocate for pay equity and in support of the LGBTQ+ community, among several important issues close to her heart. Krieger also regularly returns to Penn State to support the school’s Athletics program and to speak with students.

“I’m excited to create impactful change at Penn State’s highest level,” Krieger said. “It would be an honor to sit on the Board of Trustees and shape important decisions that will matter for years to come.”

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.