Arin Wright
Arin Hadley Wright, born Arin Hadley Walton Gilliland, is an American professional football player who plays as a defender for Racing Louisville FC of the National Women's Soccer League. She previously played for the Chicago Red Stars and Australian club Newcastle Jets.
Racing Louisville FC
She married her husband, Evan Wright, in 2018.
Racing Louisville FC
She began her soccer journey in Kentucky at just four years old, playing for Kentucky Youth Soccer.
Racing Louisville FC
She initially played on boys' teams until age 10, when she had to switch to girls' teams.
Racing Louisville FC
She played for her local girls' team, until it folded due to a lack of players when she was 16.
Racing Louisville FC
Without enough spots in Louisville teams, she joined Ohio Elite, commuting across state lines for two years of ECNL play.
Racing Louisville FC
She chose the University of Kentucky to stay close to her family, especially to support her younger brother as a female role model during a challenging time when their mom was diagnosed with cancer.
Racing Louisville FC
In 2014, while at Kentucky, she was awarded the Honda Inspiration Award which is given to a collegiate athlete "who has overcome hardship and was able to return to play at the collegiate level". She overcame a serious injury and the loss of her mother to cancer as a freshman.
Racing Louisville FC
In 2016, she was the first player ever from the University of Kentucky to be called up for the US national team.
Racing Louisville FC
Her goal was to have a family and continue playing soccer professionally—a dream she achieved.
Racing Louisville FC
She hopes to inspire young girls, mothers, and women by showing that balancing family and professional sports is possible.
Racing Louisville FC
She revealed her pregnancy to her team during a pre-practice film session, humorously adding “Gilli plus one” to the drill sheet.
Racing Louisville FC
She has a son named Grady, who was born in 2020.
Racing Louisville FC
Inspired by her mother, who passed away from colon cancer, she hopes to support cancer research through donations.
Racing Louisville FC
Her nickname, "Gilli," exists because it sounds better than her given name, Arin.
Racing Louisville FC
She's met both Mia Hamm and Chris Brown, a tie for the most famous person she's met.
Racing Louisville FC
Her favorite city to visit is Paia, Maui. She used to go there every year to surf.
Racing Louisville FC
Raw fish is a no-go for her.
Racing Louisville FC
She dreams of seeing Bob Marley, though she knows it's impossible.
Racing Louisville FC
She has a knack for making sound effects and animal noises and considers it her hidden calling.
Racing Louisville FC
Her worst Christmas gift? Being born on Christmas, as her birthday often gets overlooked.
Racing Louisville FC
She’d choose an Olympic Gold medal over winning the World Cup.
Players with common traits like Arin.
