RUTH HARKER

Ruth Harker was one of the two goalkeepers selected for the first U.S. Women's National Team in 1985, anchoring the squad in its historic debut on the international stage. Known for her fearlessness and commanding presence in goal, she earned her spot on the national team after a standout collegiate career at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. There, she played all four years as the starter and served as team captain in her senior season.

During her UMSL tenure, Harker set the school record with 38 career shutouts, ranking third in career goals-against average (0.75) and fourth in career saves (255). She also holds the top two single-season shutout records with 12 shutouts in 1982 and 11 in 1985. Harker earned her first national team caps in 1985 and competed in the historic Mundialito tournament in Italy.

"I didn't allow a goal in Italy. I played every game except one. That's something I'm proud of," says Harker, whose dominant performance helped establish the foundation of U.S. women's soccer. She was inducted into both the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame in 2019 and the UMSL Sports Hall of Fame in 2020, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer and fierce competitor.