In this article, we will delve into the lives of K.C. and Jessica Moultrie, the proud parents of the talented young soccer prodigy, Olivia Moultrie. Through their inspiring journey, we will explore the achievements, background, and supportive roles played by these remarkable individuals in Olivia’s extraordinary career
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Olivia Moultrie: The Young Sensation of the NWSL
Olivia Moultrie, an emerging talent in women’s soccer, has been making waves in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). In 2021, she etched her name in the history books by becoming the youngest player, up to that point, to secure an NWSL contract.1
This remarkable achievement was realized when she inked her deal with the Portland Thorns at the tender age of 15 years and 286 days, as previously reported by the Deseret News.
The Journey to Professional Soccer
Moultrie’s journey to professional soccer with the Thorns began at the age of 13 when she started training with the team. However, due to NWSL regulations at the time, she was unable to formalize her connection with the team through a professional contract.
Determined to overcome this obstacle, she took legal action by filing an antitrust lawsuit against the league in May 2021. Her resilience and legal victory paved the way for her to sign with the Thorns just two weeks later.
A Scoring Sensation
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This young prodigy, now 18 years old, has been leaving her mark on the field. She scored two of the 13 goals attributed to teenagers in the NWSL during the season, according to Just Women’s Sports.
Her remarkable scoring ability has been a testament to her exceptional talent.
Recognition Beyond Soccer
In 2022, Olivia Moultrie’s accomplishments extended beyond the soccer pitch.
She had the honor of being interviewed by President Bonnie Cordon, who, at the time, served as the Young Women’s General President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This video interview provided insights into her journey and aspirations.
Praise from Teammates
Olivia Moultrie’s talent has not gone unnoticed by her teammates. Becky Sauerbrunn, the team captain and former Utah Royals defender, expressed her excitement for Moultrie’s first call up.
Sauerbrunn, who has been Moultrie’s Thorns teammate for three years, emphasized how Olivia’s dedication and performance in Portland had rightfully earned her this opportunity.
Sophia Smith, another one of Moultrie’s Thorns teammates and now a national team member, echoed the excitement. Smith shared her pride in Olivia’s growth, not just as a player but also as a person. She regarded Moultrie as a “little sister” and eagerly anticipated her earning her first cap with the national team.
Olivia Moultrie’s Challenge to NWSL’s Age Restriction Sparks Legal Battle
Breaking Age Barriers in Soccer
Olivia Moultrie, a 15-year-old soccer prodigy, has been a game-changer in the world of youth soccer. From committing to UNC at the astonishing age of 11 to signing with Nike and the Wasserman Group, her journey has been nothing short of remarkable.2
At the age of 13, she joined the NWSL’s Portland Thorns academy program, further solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer.
A Young Talent’s Aspiration
Despite her age, Olivia Moultrie aspires to become the youngest player in the NWSL. However, the league’s current age restrictions dictate that she cannot compete until she reaches the age of 18.
Legal Challenge to Age Restrictions
Olivia’s father, K.C. Moultrie, and her legal team have taken legal action against the NWSL, filing a lawsuit in Portland’s U.S. District Court.
They claim that the NWSL’s age requirement violates the Sherman Antitrust Act. In their legal filings, they request a temporary restraining order and ask a judge to declare the rule unlawful before May 15, which marks the opening of the NWSL regular season.
Antitrust Allegations
The lawsuit contends that since the age limit was not part of a collective bargaining agreement (as there is currently no such agreement between the NWSL and its players), the rule violates antitrust laws. This issue has been previously litigated in football and hockey.
In a significant comparison, it highlights Major League Soccer, which has no age restrictions and a history of individuals playing as young as Moultrie. In fact, MLS has seen multiple 14-year-olds sign contracts throughout its history.
Unequal Opportunities
Moultrie’s lawyers argue, “Ms. Moultrie would be eligible to play in MLS if she were male, would be able to play in France if she were French, etc., stretching throughout most of the international soccer world.” This raises concerns about gender inequality and geographic limitations.
They claim that she is being unfairly restricted due to her nationality and gender, which they argue is illegal.
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FIFA’s Restrictions
FIFA rules further compound the issue, preventing Moultrie from playing professionally in the United States or abroad.
This restriction, according to Moultrie’s side, hampers her development as a soccer player compared to her international peers, limiting her opportunities to showcase her talent on the global stage.
Legal Support
Last month, Paul Tenorio of The Athletic interviewed an adjunct law professor at the University of San Diego who supports Moultrie’s case. Simon, the professor, wrote a letter on Moultrie’s behalf and sent it to the NWSL, claiming they were in violation of antitrust laws.
He argued that she should be allowed to play without restrictions. In response, the NWSL argues that they are a single entity rather than a group of individual teams, which they believe means they cannot conspire against each other for antitrust purposes.
A Call for Change
Simon suggested, “the best possible thing to happen for Olivia would be for the league to say, ‘We are sorry, we see it raises antitrust problems, we’re out of step with international leagues, and we don’t want to be the only pro soccer league with an age limit, so we’re withdrawing the rule and Olivia can play as long as any team wants her.”
The League’s Response
To date, the NWSL has not provided a clear rationale for the existence of this age restriction. Their only comment is that the rule has been in place since the league’s inception and that they believe it is legally sound.
Supporters in High Places
Olivia Moultrie signed with the Thorns back in 2019 and has trained with the senior team. She even appeared in a preseason match.
However, she has not been allowed to compete in the NWSL. In 2019, she also signed a groundbreaking nine-year contract with Nike, making her the youngest team sport athlete ever to be associated with this prestigious brand.
Her lawsuit has garnered significant support, including endorsements from Portland Thorns teammates Becky Sauerbrunn and Lindsay Horan, both of whom represent the U.S. Women’s National Team.
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Olivia Moultrie’s Parents
Olivia Moultrie, the rising American soccer sensation, has a fascinating family background worth exploring. In this article, we’ll delve into the lives of her parents, K.C. and Jessica Moultrie, shedding light on their athletic past, professional endeavors, and their current standing in the doTERRA Essential Oils community.3
Meet K.C. Moultrie and Jessica Moultrie
Born on September 17, 2005, Olivia Lynn Moultrie is the proud daughter of K.C. Moultrie and his wife, Jessica. Olivia is the eldest of their three daughters, and her journey to stardom in the world of soccer is nothing short of remarkable.
Athletic Beginnings
K.C. and Jessica Moultrie both share a background in collegiate athletics. K.C. was a talented basketball player during his college years at NAIA Montana State-Northern. On the other hand, Jessica displayed her skills as a defender on the college soccer team at the University of South Carolina. Their shared love for sports laid the foundation for their daughter Olivia’s promising career.
Transition to Business
While K.C. and Jessica started their journey as athletes, they later ventured into the world of business. Today, their daughter Olivia has chosen the path of professional athletics, continuing the family’s legacy in sports.
Jessica Moultrie’s Professional Journey
Jessica Moultrie, according to her LinkedIn profile, graduated in 2002 with a degree in finance and human resource management from the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina.
Her career has been marked by several successful roles, including her current position as a Senior Sales Representative at Takeda Pharmaceuticals since 2005.
Prior to this, she gained experience at companies such as Odyssey Pharmaceuticals, Braintree Labs, and L-3 Communications. Notably, Jessica is also the owner of Diamonds in the Making, Inc., showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.
K.C. Moultrie’s Path
K.C. Moultrie, on the other hand, earned his B.A. in communication from Montana State University-Northern in 2002. His professional journey includes roles as a District Business Manager for Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America from 2008 to 2011, followed by positions at Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals from 2011 to 2013 and AstraZeneca from 2013 to 2019.
K.C.’s career has been marked by a focus on communication and management, and he’s brought his expertise to several renowned pharmaceutical companies.
The Moultrie Family Today
In the present day, Olivia’s parents, K.C. and Jessica Moultrie, are not only successful professionals but also esteemed members (grade: Presidential Diamond) of the doTERRA Essential Oils community in the USA. This remarkable achievement highlights their dedication to both their careers and their commitment to holistic well-being through essential oils.
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The Financial Success of Olivia Moultrie: Net Worth
Olivia Moultrie, the young soccer prodigy, has been making waves in the world of sports and finance. Her impressive net worth stands at an astounding $5 million. Let’s explore the key factors contributing to her incredible financial achievements.4
Early Career Beginnings
Olivia Moultrie’s path to financial success started early in her life. She displayed extraordinary talent and dedication to soccer from a tender age, which laid the foundation for her lucrative career. Her journey began when she was just a child, and her consistent efforts eventually catapulted her into the limelight.
Professional Breakthrough
Moultrie’s professional career kicked off with a bang. Her extraordinary skills and determination earned her a spot in the national soccer league, and it wasn’t long before she became a household name. Her swift rise to stardom significantly contributed to her burgeoning net worth.
Sponsorships and Endorsements
One of the pivotal factors behind Olivia Moultrie’s impressive net worth is her association with prominent sponsorships and endorsements. Leading brands recognized her potential as a marketable athlete, and she inked lucrative deals that added a substantial sum to her wealth.
Contractual Agreements
Moultrie’s contractual agreements with top-tier soccer clubs have also played a crucial role in her financial success. Her skill on the field translated into multi-million dollar contracts, ensuring a steady influx of income.
Investment Savvy
Apart from her earnings on the field, Moultrie’s financial acumen is worth mentioning. She wisely invested her earnings, diversifying her portfolio and ensuring that her wealth continued to grow
FAQ’S
1. Who is Olivia Moultrie, and what is her claim to fame in women’s soccer?
- Olivia Moultrie is a young talent in women’s soccer who gained recognition by becoming the youngest player to secure an NWSL contract with the Portland Thorns at the age of 15 years and 286 days.
2. How did Olivia Moultrie’s journey to professional soccer begin, and what legal action did she take to secure her contract?
- Moultrie’s journey began at the age of 13 when she started training with the Thorns. She took legal action by filing an antitrust lawsuit against the NWSL to challenge the league’s age restrictions, ultimately paving the way for her to sign with the Thorns.
3. What achievements has Olivia Moultrie had in the NWSL as a young player?
- Olivia Moultrie, now 18 years old, has scored goals in the NWSL, showcasing her exceptional talent as a scorer. She is recognized for being among the top teenage goal-scorers in the league.
4. How did Olivia Moultrie’s legal challenge to the NWSL’s age restrictions unfold, and what were the key arguments in the lawsuit?
- Olivia Moultrie’s father and her legal team filed a lawsuit against the NWSL, alleging that the league’s age requirement violated the Sherman Antitrust Act. They argued that the rule unfairly restricted her based on gender, nationality, and age, and they called for a temporary restraining order and a declaration of the rule as unlawful.
5. What is Olivia Moultrie’s net worth and what factors contributed to her financial success?
- Olivia Moultrie’s net worth is reported to be around $5 million. Her financial success is attributed to her early career beginnings in soccer, her professional breakthrough in the sport, sponsorships, endorsements, contractual agreements with soccer clubs, and her investment savvy.
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