Mary Earps champions women's sports and redefines goalkeeping

In England, renowned football goalkeeper Mary Earps took a step away from international duty, allowing her to reconnect with family and friends during this rare break from the rigorous routine of training, playing, and recovering that typically defines her life as a professional athlete. With the national team, the Lionesses, she accumulated 53 caps and was a significant member of the Euro 2022-winning squad. While absent from international tournaments, Earps has actively engaged in promoting women’s sports, collaborating with brands aligned with her mission, such as Rexona. She aims to enhance visibility and encourage youth participation in football through initiatives like the 'Play on Pitch' campaign, bridging the gap between elite and grassroots levels of the sport. Furthermore, Earps’s impact on the women’s game extends beyond her advocacy; she has earned accolades including the Golden Glove at the 2023 Women’s World Cup and two FIFA Best Goalkeeper awards. Throughout her career, she has emphasized the importance of role models in sports, especially for young girls and boys who need to see relatable figures in marketing. Presently, she prepares for her second season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in France’s Division 1 Féminine, reflecting on how stepping out of her comfort zone had a positive effect on her performance last season, while also aspiring to continue improving her game. Beyond the pitch, her efforts signify her dedication to changing perceptions around goalkeeping and elevating the status of women within sports, an initiative she believes benefits all women's sports collectively.