Ashlyn Harrisis scoring goals when it comes to parenting.
As the retired soccer star navigates a “hard season of divorce and retirement,” she detailed how she and ex-wife Ali Krieger are helping their kids Sloane, 4, and Ocean, 2, focus on the positive.
“We always make sure we tell our children they get the best of two worlds,” Ashlyn told E! News in an exclusive interview. “It’s not this or that. Everything that the kids get to do, they get to do it twice. Everything is doubled, and I think it’s exciting for them.”
The two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champ—who split from her former teammate in September 2023 after nearly four years of marriage—even revealed her daughter’s reaction to the continued celebration.
“She had 3 birthday parties, so she thinks it’s the coolest thing ever,” she continued. “I think she thinks her birthday party is every week. We had a Hello Kitty birthday party, a Paw Patrol birthday party [and] we celebrated upstate with our friends. It was really, really special.”
Ashlyn—who is dating Sophia Bush—also emphasized the importance of caring for Sloane’s emotional wellbeing, adding, “The biggest thing is just showing her so much love. And she definitely felt that.”
But the former goalkeeper isn’t solely focused on showing love to her kids. She’s also turning her attention to herself by reflecting on her past with her new podcast Wide Open, produced by iHeart Women’s Sports.
“I’m unlearning a lot of toxic traits that made me great as an athlete, but maybe not so great as a partner or parent or friend,” she explained. “I have been built to be a machine and with that comes a lot of selfishness, a lot of ego, a lot of suffering. I feel more comfortable in pain than I do in joy, and I have to learn to reframe a lot of the way I think.”
As for who will be supporting—and perhaps joining—Ashlyn, 39, on that self-improvement project, releasing new episodes every Monday? She suggested Sophia is the perfect partner.
“She supports me so much,” Ashlyn shared. “She has done podcasting and been in the entertainment space for so long, and she has continued to encourage me to be a little more forward-facing after my soccer career ended.”
She added, “I think Sophia will for sure be on the show. I think that will be something we do when the time is right.”
Read on to take a look back at Ashlyn and Sophia’s love story.
Pride Month Selfie
The two marked the end of their first Pride Month as a couple in June 2024 with this adorable selfie shared by the soccer star.
Cannes Selfie
While attending the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, the soccer star posted this selfie with the One Tree Hill alum and basketball player Sue Bird.
Summer Celebration
In July 2023, the pair attended a watch party in Los Angeles for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Cheers
The duo was photographed cheering alongside Michelle Akers and Linda Gancitano.
Art Basel Beauties
While attending Art Basel in December 2023, Michelle Tillou shared this Instagram photo with Ashlyn and Sophia.
Award Season Style
The duo struck a pose with Eric McCormack at the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 32nd Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party in March 2024.
Group Shot
The pair also spent time with Stephanie Nguyen and Bobby Berk at the star-studded gathering.
Red Carpet Debut
Ashlyn and Sophia made their red carpet debut at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in April 2024.
Late Night
Following the dinner, the couple cozied up at an after-party at the Swiss ambassador’s residence.
City of Love
Sophia and Ashlyn enjoyed a romantic trip to Paris in May 2024.
Say Oui
The Chicago P.D. actress captioned this cozy-looking snapshot from a May 2024 Paris trip, “Happiness looks goo on you, baby.”
J’Adore Paris
Sophia also shared this group pic from their trip to Paris in May 2024.
Holiday Travels
In fact, Ashlyn and Sophia love Paris so much they said bonjour to the city once again in December 2024.
Celebrating the Oscars
The athlete and the actress watched the 2025 Oscars at the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 2025 Academy Awards viewing party.
Romantic Getaway
The couple enjoyed a trip to the mountains in May 2025.
A Night at the Gala
Dance on over to see this photo Ashlyn and Sophia took at the American Ballet Theatre Spring Gala in May 2025.
