Name: Kelsey Schieber
AO Chapter: AOKC
Caps: 9?
When did you become a member?: June of 2013
Tell us something you’ve done with an AO friend that wasn’t soccer-related?
I took a memorial day trip down to Austin with a fellow AO member to meet up with other AO members for a lake weekend! Plus Drunk History party, Footgolf league, brunch, volunteering, and co-ed soccer leagues!
What goal incited your craziest celebration? What was your celebration?
Each and every goal from WC 2014, I'm not sure any of my beer made it into my mouth as I kept throwing them on my neighbors at Johnny's. I got especially excited for John Brook's goal because he looked so incredibly surprised at what he'd just done and it was adorable!
What are your weird game day superstitions?
I wouldn't call it a superstition but its definitely weird, I put on my jersey like i'm in a Nike commercial: in front of the mirror with my game face on. I also have 2 very specific bandana's, one for my arm and one for my head.
How did you first get involved with AO?
I was invited to Johnny's (repeatedly) by an incredible ambassador for AO, Greg Basye. He just kept inviting me. And kept inviting me. And continues to invite me. And still invites me and many others to this day.
What is on your wish list to do or experience with US Soccer?
I want to go to an Away game! Also WC2026 obviously!
Who do you most admire/who is your favorite player?
I love Geoff Cameron both for his perfect hair but also when he's on the field I just feel like we are more organized and put together. His experience puts me at ease. But also, that hair!
What do you want to get from this community?
Continue building life long friendships rooted in soccer but expands into so much more. I want us to continue growing, evolving and supporting.
What was the happiest moment as an AO member?
USA vs. Mexico in Columbus (2013) Dos a Cero! We got to celebrate that win, and a few hours later celebrate our WC 2014 bid!
What is your most impactful memory with AO?
Women's WC 2015 Final at Johnny's, it was packed wall to wall. This is a pretty typical sight for the men, but seeing so much support for the women was incredible! Plus getting that star felt SO GOOD!
How far have you traveled for a US Game?
Columbus, Ohio (#DosACero)
What do you want to do or experience more then anything in the next 4 years?
I want to see the US Men build ourselves back up, rise from the drawbacks of the past year and start showing the world that we're a contender on the world stage. I also want the Women to receive the respect and support they deserve and equal pay they've earned.
If there was something you wanted to tell a non-AO member, what would it be?
Go to a game. If you haven't gone to a game and sat with AO you haven't experienced even half of what AO has to offer!
Name: Rachel Schieber
AO Chapter: AOKC (we can’t stop!)
Caps: 6ish?
When did you become a member?: 2014ish
Tell us something you’ve done with an AO friend that wasn’t soccer-related?
Last year, a few of us went skydiving for Nick Verlaney’s birthday. It was the first time for most of us and such a thrilling memory to share with my AO family!
What goal incited your craziest celebration?
Every goal during the World Cup. These players are on the biggest stage, then successfully put the goal in the back of the net. It’s what every kid dreams of growing up and playing this sport. These players are living it, it’s so cool watching their dreams come true!
What was your celebration?
I throw my beer...and any beer I see around me.
What are your weird game day superstitions?
I wear the same shirt unwashed until we lose. I have no interest in my outfit being responsible for knocking us out.
How did you first get involved with AO?
My sister Kelsey! She invited me to a USMNT game in October 2013. I had been to national team games before, but being part of the AO section was a new experience. She kept inviting me to things and continues to invite me! It’s a fun thing we get to do together.
What is on your wish list to do or experience with US Soccer?
AO Away! It’s always so cool to see the support our men and women’s team have both here and abroad. I hope to find a game to attend outside the US!
Who do you most admire/who is your favorite player?
Abby Wambach. She is such a badass. I’m fairly certain she has the power to destroy anyone who looks her directly in the eye, but she chooses not to.
What do you want to get from this community?
I love meeting new people! Every game I’ve been to, I’ve arrived with my sister...and then I inevitably wander off and find new friends with cool stories.
What was the happiest moment as an AO member?
We were at the friendly vs Bolivia when Christian Pulisic scored his first USMNT goal and became the youngest (17!!) men’s player to score on that stage. Everyone gives me a hard time for being so invested in these dreams coming true, but I accept it and love every minute of it!
What is your most impactful memory with AO?
Last year, Kodi Tutt and her family joined us at the NB4 party and a WNT game here in Kansas City. At the game, her family came down from the suite to the AO section. She played the drums, lead some chants, and never stopped smiling! To see a young lady be so brave and stand in front of a group of (crazy) soccer supporters...that’s something I’ll never forget!
How far have you traveled for a US Game?
Across the state to St. Louis.
What do you want to do or experience more then anything in the next 4 years?
I am really excited about 26x26 and cannot wait to be part of it. In the next four years, our teams will score goals, win games, and do a lot of memorable things...but players will retire, coaching staff will change, and these teams will look different. The impact left on us and our communities, the friendships made, fields we build, that will all stick around. I’m excited to create more memories and meet new friends!
If there was something you wanted to tell a non-AO member, what would it be?
Come hang out, let me buy you a beer!