Biden Welcomes Soccer Champs to the White House

I like the ties.

You guys said, thank you?

Daddy, you didn’t tell me the President was going to talk to me. Please have a seat. Well, good morning. For the first time in National Women’s Soccer League history, welcome to the White House of the 2023 Championships, the Gotham FC. It’s so good to be joined by so many friends from New York and New Jersey, team owners, the Tisch family. There you go. God love you. We go back a long way. And led by Caroline, and the fellow team governors and investors, Ed, as well as the great Sue Bird who was here a few years ago to celebrate Seattle Storm’s WNBA Championship and she’s simply incredible. Oh, you are. [inaudible 00:01:16] I also want to thank the founding team owners, good friends of mine, the Murphys, and particularly Tammy, to continue to be the champions for women’s sports. They couldn’t be here today because they’re representing the great state of New Jersey on a trade mission abroad. But I also want to thank New Jersey’s, newest United States Senator George Helmy. Where are you, George? Stand up, George. George, you don’t get to take the trophy home.

(01:48)
Of course, a special thanks to the incredible players. One thing is clear. This organization is no stranger to adversity. In 2022 Gotham placed last in the entire league, there were doubts about turning things around, but you never gave up. You never gave up, and you kept the faith, as my mother would say, you retooled the roster, hired a new coach, something clicked, and after a tough season, you’re in the final team to make the playoffs. But as the saying goes, winners simply win. Back-to-back playoff wins, holding North Carolina and Portland, scoreless, and then beating Seattle to win it all. The new Tiffany Trophy is won at new home now in Gotham.

(02:42)
Look, just yesterday you clinched the playoff spot, so maybe you’ll be back here next year. Now, if you are, I won’t be president, but ask if I can come and listen. What’s really important is your championship win also set an attendance record. I think it’s fair to say everyone, everyone watches women’s sports. It’s about time. I got some all-state soccer players as well as a golden, as well as lacrosse champions in my family. And by the way, in my family, we have an advantage, all the women are smarter than all the men, including me.

(03:45)
When look and when fans watch you play, they also see the power of the example off the field as well. It matters. I really mean it. You lead the way in providing sports medicine and healthcare focused on women. My wife is deeply involved in trying to make sure there’s enough attention paid and research done on women’s disease as men. Matter of fact, we’re going to the United Nations after this to make that very case. You help establish the players’ association fighting for the dignity of work all across the league.

(04:17)
And most powerful, I get categorized as the most pro-union president in American history. I am, and I approve what you’re doing man. And your teammate, Midge came to the White House and the US Women’s national team to highlight the campaign for equal pay. That’s happening too. Matter of fact it’s going to get unequal, it’ll a hell of a lot more, I think. But let’s be clear, and I mean it sincerely, I was raised by my best friend in the world, my sister, she… Anyway, won’t get into all that, but I mean this sincerely. A woman can do anything a man can do any man can do, including the President of the United States.

(05:09)
Let me close by thanking you all. We represent our nation with such dignity. You inspire all of us and you really do. You’re an inspiration. Thank you. I bet you when you can’t walk down the street in your hometown without some young girl coming up to you, just wanting to talk to you, just want to touch, you want to hold your hand. It’s amazing. And congratulations to the Bats of Gotham. You like being called the Bats of Gotham? [inaudible 00:05:39]. I like that. Look, I’m going to turn it over to the top bat. No, the top… Ali, last year’s team captain who, by the way, I watched in 2015 win the World Cup when I was vice president in Canada. Ali, it’s great to see you again, kiddo. The floor is yours.

Thank you. I [inaudible 00:06:25] Mr. President and esteemed guests, thank you for hosting Gotham FC, the reigning NWSL champions. We are deeply honored to be the first NWSL team to receive this recognition marking a pivotal moment for women’s sports. Firstly, I have to thank my teammates for their grit and perseverance to enable us to be the champions standing here today. Starting the 2023 season coming off of the last place finish from where’s the first, nobody backed this team to do what we did. Reflecting on my career, I recall times when women’s soccer lacked coverage and support, our progress since those days have been remarkable. From our humble beginnings to be becoming champions, both Gotham and the NWSL have seen tremendous growth with more fans, greater engagement and increased recognition. Yet, despite these strides, we are reminded that our work is far from over.

(07:47)
Every time we step on the field, we think of young girls who dream the future in sports. This moment is not just about titles or trophies, it’s about paving the way for them. Being the first is historic, but it’s even more important that we ensure we are not the last. We all know that we are committed to build on this momentum for future generations. As a token of our appreciation and commitment to advancing women’s sports, we are delighted to present you with a Gotham FC jersey. We expect you to be wearing that under the suit soon, right? [inaudible 00:08:35]. Yeah. Great. On behalf of my exceptional teammates and the entire organization, thank you again for this incredible honor and for supporting the growth of women’s sports. Thank you.

I thought when I got to be President, I’d get to do things that I wanted to do, but my staff tells me what I can’t do, but I’m going to do it anyway. All the young women, young kids that are out there, come on up and do this, stand behind me, we’re going to do this. Come on. And the guys. What’s your name? [inaudible 00:09:38]. Okay, come on up. Come on everybody.

So our head coach, Juan Carlos Amorós, and the championship 2023 MVP Midge Purse.

Thank you. I tell you what, Mom and Dad are going to come see you guys [inaudible 00:10:51].