Kelley O'Hara Ushering in New Era of Under Armour Soccer
Female footballers personify what it means to Protect This House by going to battle for their team, their beliefs, and their nation both on and off the pitch. In advance of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, Under Armour has grabbed the soccer world's attention.
The American-based brand announced the launch of its first-ever women's soccer cleat designed specifically for the female foot. The highly anticipated Women’s UA Magnetico Elite 3 FG Soccer Cleats will be available to the public soon.
Additionally, UA is hyping up the World Cup’s rivalries by pairing soccer sensations Kelley O’Hara (USA) and Alex Greenwood (England) with two up-and-coming female hip-hop artists–Gavlyn (USA) and Nadia Rose (England).
In a spine-tingling commercial, the rappers pay homage to music’s massive impact on sport culture and the athlete mentality and illuminate the journeys that led both Kelley and Alex to the top of their sport. Bars like "Southern peach grown yo - this is where I feast" and "You take ya first sip, Ya we'll take another cup" highlight O'Hara's American roots while making the USWNT goals very clear.
FanNation Kicks spoke with O'Hara about her integral role in developing Under Armour's first-ever women's soccer cleat, preparation for the World Cup, and her preferred sneakers off the pitch.
Kelley O'Hara debuts new Under Armour gear.
Under Armour
What did the design process look like with Under Armour?
"The design process with Under Armour has always been so great because they're always asking for my feedback. I remember sitting down with them years ago, talking about boots 3-5 years out.
So, they've always asked for my feedback, initial reactions, and I wear-test them. I try them out on the field, and then I'll come off and text my Under Armour rep to relay that information. So it has been great. Under Armour is such a great company to work with because they really want to create a product that athletes want to wear, love to wear, feel good in, and just serve the athlete."
What are some of your favorite aspects of the UA Magnetico Elite 3 FG?
"So the upper on this boot is like no other cleat I've worn before. It has a stretch capacity to it that molds to your feet. It feels like a sock when you're putting it on. I think a lot of people would probably agree with me that many soccer boots do not have that immediate feeling of comfort when you put them on.
But these mold to your feet, and I wish you could try a pair on to feel it. It's a new technology they're using, and I loved their past boots. But it's cool to see how they have built year-over-year and the direction they are taking. I'm excited for the public to have access to them."
A detailed look at the UA Magnetico Elite 3 FG.
Under Armour
How does it feel to create a product specifically tailored for women's feet?
"It goes to show Under Armour's support and appreciation of women. They understand that the needs are different, and there is a way to serve their female athletes.
It's nice to be able to do that because, especially in sports, most things are tailored to men. Whether it's injury prevention or rehab, there are so many things that people don't understand have been male-focused for so long. I love that Under Armour has designed a female boot, and it's nice to be a part of that."
The 2023 Women’s World Cup, what does your training routine look like right now?
"I'm doing literally everything that I can. Going into this year, I knew I was going to have to give everything I possibly could to make this roster and help win another World Cup.
I wear a ring that tracks my sleep, and I've become super intensely focused on fine-tuning those little aspects of my life that will impact my performance on the field. Whether it's sleep, nutrition - I haven't drank since New Year's Eve. Also, the recovery piece. Rolling out, stretching. Everything I feel like I can be doing, I'm throwing at it."
Additional colorways of the UA Magnetico Elite 3 FG.
Under Armour
Last question, what is in your sneaker rotation this summer?
"I love sneakers. I wear Under Armour running shoes most days to the facility and that sort of thing. When I'm trying to be a little bit more streetwear, they just dropped Under Armour Forges again.
They are one of my favorite shoes ever made. They are super cool and kind of look retro. But when it comes to training, I'm always in one of Under Armour's running shoes."
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