VESTAL, N.Y. – The Binghamton University Division of Athletics has announced that Ali Krieger - a former professional soccer standout and two-time FIFA World Cup champion - will be the featured speaker at the 22nd Annual Celebrating Women's Athletics Luncheon (CWAL), presented by M&T Bank, this coming Feb. 22. The event will begin at noon at the Events Center on campus.
During her collegiate years at Penn State (2003-06), Krieger set a precedent with her versatility, earning All-American honors in two distinct positions. Her ensuing professional career (2007-23) spanned several top-tier clubs, including a significant stint at FFC Frankfurt, where her contributions were crucial in securing the UEFA Women's Champions League title.
Krieger's defensive prowess was instrumental in the United States Women's National Team's (USWNT) successes, notably participating in three FIFA Women's World Cups and securing the championship in 2015 and 2019. The 2015 victory was underscored by a defense that set a record for holding opponents scoreless for 540 minutes. Her resilience in overcoming a severe knee injury to compete in the 2016 Rio Olympics further exemplified her dedication and commitment to soccer at the highest levels.
Culminating her illustrious career, Krieger achieved a significant milestone by captaining Gotham FC to their first-ever NWSL Championship in 2023 before announcing her retirement. Currently, she is working with ESPN as a studio analyst and has two children, Sloane and Ocean.
Since its inception in 2006, the Celebrating Women's Athletics Luncheon event has raised more than $600,000 to support the Binghamton Bearcats Athletics Association (BBAA) Scholarship Fund. This current academic year, BBAA Scholarships have been awarded to 10 female student-athletes.
Krieger is the latest of an impressive group of guest speakers at the CWAL event. She is preceded by Alix Klineman (2026), Emily Mackay (2025), Angel McCoughtry (2024), Dottie Pepper (2023), Nancy Hogshead-Makar (2022), Breanna Stewart (2021), Suzyn Waldman (2020), Joan Benoit-Samuelson (2019), Shannon Boxx (2018), Swin Cash (2017), Amy Van Dyken (2016), Rebecca Lobo (2015), Jennie Finch (2014), Shannon Miller (2013), Amanda Beard (2012), Julie Foudy (2011), Kara Lawson (2010) and Jessica Mendoza (2009).
Individual tickets are $75, and a table sponsorship is $700, which accommodates up to 10 guests and access to the meet and greet event which precedes the luncheon.
Click here to purchase tickets online.
There are also various levels of sponsorship opportunities, including tables of 10, video board and program advertisements, as well as other benefits. Sponsors can also purchase tables to be donated to Binghamton University athletic teams or local school districts in support of our community.
For more information on the Celebrating Women's Athletics Luncheon, please contact Binghamton Athletics at athletics@binghamton.edu or 607-777-2403.
