The Binghamton University Division of Athletics announced on Oct. 28 that
Ali Krieger - a former professional soccer standout and two-time FIFA World Cup champion - will be the featured speaker at the 22nd Annual Celebrating Women's Athletics Luncheon (CWAL), presented by M&T Bank, this coming Feb. 22. The event will begin at noon at the Events Center on campus.
During her collegiate years at Penn State (2003-06), Krieger set a precedent with her versatility, earning All-American honors in two distinct positions. Her ensuing professional career (2007-23) spanned several top-tier clubs, including a significant stint at FFC Frankfurt, where her contributions were crucial in securing the UEFA Women's Champions League title.
Krieger's defensive prowess was instrumental in the United States Women's National Team's (USWNT) successes, notably participating in three FIFA Women's World Cups and securing the championship in 2015 and 2019. The 2015 victory was underscored by a defense that set a record for holding opponents scoreless for 540 minutes. Her resilience in overcoming a severe knee injury to compete in the 2016 Rio Olympics further exemplified her dedication and commitment to soccer at the highest levels.
Culminating her illustrious career, Krieger achieved a significant milestone by captaining Gotham FC to their first-ever NWSL Championship in 2023 before announcing her retirement. Currently, she is working with ESPN as a studio analyst and has two children, Sloane and Ocean.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CWAL:
Held each year to recognize the achievements of Binghamton University's student-athletes, this event also raises funding for scholarships awarded to student-athletes at Binghamton University.
Since 2006, the Celebrating Women's Athletics Luncheon has raised more than $600,000 to support the BBAA Scholarship Fund. The scholarships were established in 2007 and have grown each year. In 2026, 10 BBAA Scholarships were awarded to student-athletes. This event began in 2006 with just 75 attendees and is now one of the Athletics Department's primary fundraisers. Last year, an event-record 900+ guests attended the event.
Attendees have the opportunity to meet current Bearcat student-athletes and coaches and to hear them speak about the role athletics has played in their development, careers and life.
2027 Guest Speaker- Ali Kreiger - (
Pre-Event Release)
2026 Guest Speaker- Alix Klineman - (
Post-Event Release) (
Pre-Event Release)
2025 Guest Speaker- Emily Mackay - (
Post-Event Release) (
Pre-Event Release)
2024 Guest Speaker- Angel McCoughtry - (
Post-Event Release) (
Pre-Event Release)
2023 Guest Speaker- Dottie Pepper - (
Post-Event Release) (
Pre-Event Release)
2022 Guest Speaker- Nancy Hogshead-Makar - (
Post-Event Release) (
Pre-Event Release)
2021 Guest Speaker- Breanna Stewart (held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic)
2020 Guest Speaker- Suzyn Waldman - (
Post-Event Release) (
Pre-Event Release)
2019 Guest Speaker- Joan Benoit Samuelson - (
Post-Event Release) (
Pre-Event Release)
2018 Guest Speaker- Shannon Boxx - (
Post-Event Release) (
Pre-Event Release)
2017 Guest Speaker- Swin Cash - (
Post-Event Release) (
Pre-Event Release)
2016 Guest Speaker- Amy Van Dyken Rouen - (
Post-Event Release)
(Pre- Event Release)
2015 Guest Speaker- Rebecca Lobo - (
Post-Event Release)(
Pre-Event Release)
2014 Guest Speaker - Jennie Finch - (
Post-Event Release) (
Pre-Event Release)
2013 Guest Speaker- Shannon Miller- (
Post-Event Release) (
Pre-Event Release)
2012 Guest Speaker- Amanda Beard- (
Pre-Event Release)
2011 Guest Speaker- Julie Foudy- (
Post-Event Release) (
Pre-Event Release)
2010 Guest Speaker- Kara Lawson
2009 Guest Speaker- Jessica Mendoza
2008 Guest Speaker- Cathleen Ellsworth
2007 Guest Speaker- Kathryn Grant Madigan
2006 Guest Speaker- Lois DeFleur
