This is the tale of Midge Purce, a remarkable athlete whose journey has been marked by exceptional talent, relentless dedication, and a powerful commitment to social change. From her early days on the pitch to her current status as a champion, Purce’s story is one of inspiration and perseverance.
A Journey of Goals and Accolades
Purce’s journey began in the collegiate realm. From 2013 to 2016, she dominated the field at Harvard University, becoming a dominant force. During this time, she was a consistent force, scoring 42 goals and registering 12 assists in 69 appearances. Purce’s prowess earned her recognition as the Ivy League Player of the Year twice. Not only that, she was also named an All-American and was recognized as the Ivy League Rookie of the Year – a first for any rookie in league history.
Purce’s collegiate achievements paved the way for a professional career. Drafted by the Boston Breakers in 2017, she quickly made her mark, accumulating one goal and two assists in 22 appearances. She later went on to play for the Portland Thorns, where she scored eight goals and had one assist in 44 appearances. Purce’s exceptional performance during this time earned her recognition as NWSL Goal of the Week and NWSL Team of the Month and Player of the Week. In 2020, Purce was traded to NJ/NY Gotham FC, where she made nine appearances and scored one goal with two assists.
Her career reached new heights in 2021 when she started all 18 games and was named to the NWSL Best XI. Purce was also a NWSL MVP Finalist and tied for second place in the NWSL with nine goals. She continued her dominance in the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup, scoring two goals in four appearances.
In 2022, Purce appeared in 21 matches, scoring four goals. The year 2023 proved to be even more momentous. She not only led Gotham FC to an NWSL Championship victory but also earned the coveted NWSL Final MVP title for her two-assist performance. She also played a key role in the 2023 regular season, starting eight out of 12 matches and scoring four goals and recording two assists.
A Champion on and off the Field
Beyond her exceptional athleticism, Purce is a champion for social change. She is a co-founder and board member of the Black Women’s Players Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting opportunities for Black girls in sports. This commitment has earned her a place on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the sports category.
An Inspirational Journey
Midge Purce’s journey from a talented collegiate athlete to an NWSL Champion and MVP is an inspiring testament to hard work, determination, and dedication. She is a force to be reckoned with on the field and a powerful voice for change off it. Her story is a reminder that with dedication and perseverance, one can achieve their dreams while making a positive impact on the world.
