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By Brittany Alvarado

We had the privilege of capturing USWNT and Orlando Pride goalie Ashlyn Harris in her hometown of Satellite Beach, Florida. Harris wanted fans to feel a part of her story, and not just the one they see on the soccer field.

She opened up about her struggle with depression, and how she found relief in her darkest times — With a heavy dose of surfing, skating, and a strong community to lean on, (including To Write Love On Her Arms, a Florida-based organization that provides hope to people who are battling depression, addiction, and self injury).

There is so much more to Harris than a World Cup title or the keeper gloves you see on her hands. She’s using her platform to encourage others to talk about mental health so that there’s more love and acceptance in this world. And that’s a goal worth standing for.