Football is much more than a game; For millions of people it is a tool of struggle and social change. In USAwhere discrimination and inequality are still present barriers, figures such as Joanna Lohman shows that sport can be the driving force for conquer rights and challenge prejudices.
From the court to the international stage, Lohman not only shined as a player, but also became a tireless activist. Their story combines a passion for football with a genuine commitment to breaking down gender barriers and supporting the LGBT community.
What was Joanna Lohman’s career like?
Joanna was born on June 26, 1982 in Silver Spring, Maryland, in a family that instilled in her a love of sports since she was little. At the age of nine, she began playing soccer on a women’s team, quickly standing out for her talent and determination. Thanks to his ability, he obtained a scholarship at the Penn State University, where did it go captain of the Nittany Lions and one of the first players to be selected four times for the First Team All-Big Ten.
During her university years, the talented girl not only shone in sports, but also academically, maintaining an average of 3.98 in her business studies. In 2004, she was recognized as Woman of the Year for the Pennsylvania NCAA, reflecting his excellence on and off the field.
His professional career began in teams in the American league such as Washington Freedom and the Philadelphia Independence, but he also had international experiences. played in Japan, Spain and Cyprusadapting to different playing styles. In 2012, with the creation of the professional league NWSLreturned to the United States and found his home in the Washington Spirit, where he played until his retirement in 2019. His impact was such that the club retired his number 15 shirt as a tribute.
At the international level, Lohman represented the United States national team, participating in youth championships and training with the senior team. Although his time on the main team was brief, he left his mark on every team he joined, not only for his skill, but also for his leadership.
Joanna Lohman’s life as an activist
From the beginning of her career, Lohman understood that her visibility as an athlete gave her a unique platform to fight discrimination. As one of the first openly lesbian professional footballers, she used her position to push the inclusion of the LGBT community in sport and beyond.
“I want to be a voice for those who feel like they can’t speak. “My mission is to use this platform to advance social justice,” he said on several occasions. These words summarize his commitment to equality and human rights.
After her retirement, the former athlete dedicated herself to traveling the world as speaker and defender of social causes. From campaigns to promote gender equality to projects in vulnerable communities, she worked tirelessly to transform sport into a safe and inclusive space. One of its most notable programs was “Girl Power”, an initiative in Botswana who used football to empower girls and women.
Lohman also actively participates in debates on the inclusion of transgender people in sport. Their position is clear: everyone has the right to compete and feel part of a team, regardless of their gender identity. “The purpose of sport is to build leaders of the future. Excluding someone only perpetuates hate and inequality“he stated.
His activism does not stop at sports. As vice president of a commercial real estate firm, she promoted projects for reduce carbon footprint and create sustainable spaces, demonstrating that their commitment to a better world transcends the fields.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
