Celebrating Community and Legacy—The Power of AO Impact Events

On March 7th, 2026, I found myself in the heart of New York City, attending the She Believes Cup final. At the night-before party, I had a conversation with Molly Coe, the secretary of the NYC chapter, that would spark something special. Molly shared her enthusiasm for the 85’ers and floated the idea of hosting an event at their chapter bar—inviting an 85’er to a screening of the documentary series, Origin Story: The 85’ers, to benefit AO Impact. That simple exchange planted a seed that would soon blossom into a unique celebration of community, history, and connection.

AO Impact has always been about more than just supporting our teams from the stands. It’s about building a culture of inclusivity and giving back, creating meaningful relationships, and strengthening the bonds that unite supporters across the country. The chance to bring together former players, passionate fans, and the broader soccer community aligned perfectly with this spirit.

After months of planning and anticipation, the vision became reality on October 8th, 2026. AO Impact and AO NYC, in partnership with Wilka’s bar, welcomed Ruth Harker—a legendary goalkeeper for the 85’ers—for an intimate evening. We gathered to screen the first episode of Origin Story. About thirty fans, many of whom were strangers before that night, filled the back area of Wilka’s women’s sports bar, united by their love for the USWNT and their curiosity to learn more about the pioneers who shaped the game.

The screening itself was powerful, but the highlight of the evening was Ruth Harker’s Q&A session. The men and women in attendance asked thoughtful, probing questions, and Ruth responded with candor, humor, and warmth. She shared stories that brought the early days of US Women’s soccer to life, revealing the struggles and triumphs of the 85’ers. You can't get that sense of intimacy and authenticity in a stadium. Afterward, Ruth stayed to take photos and chat with every guest, further deepening the connections made that night.

Events like this are more than just gatherings—they are bridges between the past and present. They give us the chance to honor the trailblazers of US Women’s soccer and to hear their stories firsthand, outside of the usual game-day setting. These moments allow us to get to know one another and to understand the history we all support in a more personal way.

But this evening wasn't just a single event; it is part of a larger movement within AO Impact. The relationships we build as members of AO are the foundation of what makes this supporters’ group truly special. It’s about how we treat people, how we welcome everyone, and how we strive to give back to the communities we call home. More and more of the original 85’ers have joined AO chapters in their own cities—Ruth Harker in St. Louis, Linda Gancitano in Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, Denise Merdich in Seattle, and Lori Sweeney, to name just a few. Our hope is that each of the 17 members of the 85’ers feels they have a place to belong, to share their stories, and to be valued not only for what they gave to the game, but for who they are as individuals and community members.

If you’re part of an AO chapter, or simply a fan eager to connect, I encourage you to host your own screening of The Origin Story: The 85’ers. All seven episodes are available to stream on YouTube, making it easy to bring this experience to your local community. These events are a powerful way to continue AO Impact’s mission—fostering community, celebrating legacy, and ensuring that everyone feels welcome.

The story of USWNT fandom is still being written, and each gathering, each conversation, and each shared memory adds a new chapter. By bringing together fans, former players, and communities, we strengthen the bonds that make our movement so meaningful. I invite you to be part of this ongoing story—to celebrate the past, connect in the present, and shape the future of our community together.