Heather Mitts retires from soccer, will join Philadelphia Union's TV broadcast team
Veteran U.S. national team defender Heather Mitts has announced that her playing career is over. But her connections to the American soccer community will continue, as she's joining the Philadelphia Union's television team.
Heather Mitts retires from soccer, will join Philadelphia Union's TV broadcast team
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
Veteran U.S. national team defender Heather Mitts has announced that her playing career is over. But her connections to the American soccer community will continue, as she's joining the Philadelphia Union's television team.
"The time has come for me to move onto a new stage of my career," Mitts wrote in a statement on her Facebook page. "I truly appreciate the women who paved the way, to my friends and dear teammates that I will never forget."
Mitts will be a sideline reporter and analyst during the Union's local television broadcasts. Her debut will come Saturday, when the Union host the New England Revolution at PPL Park. The Comcast Network will air the game, with kickoff set for 5:00 p.m.
It won't be Mitts' first time on TV - far from it, in fact. She worked as a studio analyst for ESPN and ABC's broadcasts of the 2003 Women's World Cup. Mitts was unable to play in that tournament due to a broken leg.
The Cincinnati native also did some sideline reporting work on ESPN's Major League Soccer broadcasts back in 2005. After settling in Philadelphia, Mitts co-hosted a morning show on WCAU, the city's NBC affiliate, for a while.
"[N]othing will ever compare to putting on that US jersey," she wrote. "It’s been an amazing journey with some obstacles but in the very end I feel so fortunate that we were able to close on a golden note."
On the club side of the game, Mitts played for the Philadelphia Charge in the old Women's United Soccer Association. She later played for the Boston Breakers, Philadelphia Independence and Atlanta Beat in Women's Professional Soccer.
She was going to play for the Breakers in the soon-to-debut National Women's Soccer League, but decided to hang up her cleats instead.
"It's amazing how 28 years of playing a sport I love, and always will, can fly by," Mitts wrote "From my first cap til now, the growth of the sport has been profound."
Mitts became arguably as well-known off the field as on it. She appeared in the 2005 edition of Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue, and in 2010 she married former Eagles quarterback A.J. Feeley.
When not at PPL Park, Mitts said she'll be an "ambassador for the Philadelphia Union while taking part in other soccer related projects."
"I also look forward to starting a family and becoming an ultimate soccer mom," Mitts added. "I leave with a smile on my face and happiness in my heart."
She's weak.... they should sign erin Andrews as their sideline reporter— HAROLD Eskin- The Union should also sign Lionel Messi— HAROLD Eskin
- She served her sport and her adopted city with grace and honor as a player. One of the truly classiest acts on a Charge team full of them.— PHJR2010
- She's the best. Please stay forever in Philly, Heather.— dglass1
The Union has a TV broadcast crew? I though the only only time they appeared on TV was when one of the local stations highlighted tax delinquents.— HappyBob- Year 4, Bobbo. You've only got 24 months to go before opening day 2015, and the Bernadine Center is going to be grateful for that contribution of yours.
- Yo ChefJim27: Long time, no dreging up make belief illegal activities. How is all the construction in Chester these days. Remember how you stated that the Stadium and the Union will generate spin off jobs and make Chester the place to be. When you announce the opening of "ChefJim27's" in Chester, HappyBob will be the first in line to eat crow. — HappyBob
- Aww, Bobbo... I'm unsure what's holding up construction now. I'm likely more disheartened about it than you are. I'm afraid, however, the lack of construction progress is irrelevant to your guaranteed boast of 2008; The Union will be gone in 5 years. They aren't going anywhere, as your 5 years of ignorant hateful nonsensical drivel has shown. Get ready to cough up that 5000. You can suddenly take pride in helping those less fortunate than yourself, the doctor, or even the Jesuit student.
- Thankfully, I made the last of my twice annual 25K cash contributions to the Jesuit's in Jan 2012, HappyRob graduated and now is the workforce. HappyDr is now UnHappyDr as she got her walking papers last year. — HappyBob
- Sorry to hear of the Doctor's misfortune. Hope it works out soon.
Seriously, though, it's time to face facts. Your guarantee is almost as worthwhile as a politician claiming "deficit neutrality." The Union isn't going anywhere. Your sometimes lighthearted, sometimes not, bashes of "salvation of this board of sports dreck" have not only turned anyone away from the sport, but have emboldended a new generation of haters with little IQ or comedic timing. If you want to have a little fun, and play the heel, fine. If not, you're encouraging those who are spewing true hatred and bile. Are you truly comfortable fighting the good fight with those who think racial and homophobic slurs are perfectly acceptable, as long as they are directed twords soccer? - Not as cute as she was 10 yrs ago in her athletic heyday.— albrock
- Still love walking by her four story size billboard in Times Square. She does her adopted city proud!— Earl J
- Heather's an actual athlete, and naturally pretty on top of that. Erin Andrews would be nothing without her makeup.
Sure Mitts got Burrelled on the reg. Won't hold that against her.— Dicky Dunn - If you lived and hung in the city you were likely Burrelled unless you weren't hot, played for the other team or worst of all, had a low motor.
— Earl J - now maybe rigby will be let go finally!!!— phillysportsfamily
Reach Jonathan at jtannenwald@phillynews.com or 215-854-2330.
