Aurora goalkeeper Sarah Fuller announces retirement
Aurora goalkeeper Sarah Fuller walks during a match on July 17, 2022. (Courtesy: Minnesota Aurora)
The first player ever signed by Minnesota Aurora is hanging up her cleats.
Sarah Fuller announced Tuesday that she is retiring from playing soccer, saying she’s “excited to start a new chapter” in her life.
After spending time at the University of North Texas and Vanderbilt University — where she famously joined the football team and became the first woman to score in a Power 5 college football game — Fuller played in 13 games in Aurora’s inaugural season and posted an .860 save percentage.
Her efforts helped lead Aurora to the USL W Championship game, and she also placed second in voting for the league’s goalkeeper of the year.
Fuller’s full statement is below.
“I am at a place where I am excited to start a new chapter in my life. After nearly 20 ears on the pitch I have decided to hang up my cleats. Soccer gave me more than I could have ever asked for. I am grateful for the successes and the failures, the people I have met, and the opportunities the beautiful game has granted me. Thank you to every teammate, coach, and staff member I have worked with over the years, to my friends and family who have supported my dreams, and a special thank you to Aurora FC for the opportunity to stand in net one last time in the best environment I could have ever imagined. It has been an honor to be a part of such a monumental team. My hope is to have inspired others and left the game better than I found it. I know my younger self would be proud. #32“
Sarah Fuller