Midge Purce on Beauty, Back-to-Back Titles, and Using Her Platform

Midge Purce doesn't do anything halfway. The Gotham FC forward and US Women's National Team veteran is fresh off a championship run, eyeing a repeat, and building a formidable career off the pitch. A Harvard grad with a psychology degree, she co-founded the Black Women's Players Collective, created the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) reality series The Offseason, and just launched Confessions of an Elite Athlete, a Vox Media podcast where she interviews top athletes about the mental side of performance. 

Now she's adding another title to the list: member of the Ulta Beauty Roster, a group of athletes who use their platforms to invest in the next generation of girls in sport. Here, she talks about lip stains, league wins, and the player she feels set the standard for leadership.

On being a role model 

 "Representation and visibility matter, and it's so important for young girls to see strong role models they can relate to. I didn't always know where soccer would take me, but through hard work, resilience, and the right support system, it's opened doors I never imagined. Now, I feel a responsibility to use my platform to advocate and encourage girls to pursue their passions unapologetically. And that's why I'm incredibly excited to join the Ulta Beauty Roster. By investing in local youth teams and community organizations, It's creating more access, more resources, and more opportunities for the next generation of girls."

On what lights her up on the field

 "I'm most excited to compete for another championship. I want to go back-to-back."

On getting paid what you’re worth

"We've made necessary progress across player safety, health, and compensation — all of which are vital to building a safe and deserving environment for the women in the league. I've worked most closely with advancing compensation and salary, so for me, raising and continuing to raise the league minimum has been great to see."

On what makes her feel confident  

"I love to stain my lips with a red NYX Professional Makeup Suede Matte Lip Liner. I apply it every morning and sometimes even when I'm just [hanging] around the house because I like the pop of color it gives me before I top it with a lip oil or balm. I always keep my lips moisturized."

On her role model 

 "Ali Krieger is one of the most lethal defenders to have played the game and one of the best leaders I have had the privilege to play with."

Rapidfire 

A handful of fast getting-to-know-you questions, with no overthinking required.

Hype song: "Did It Again" — Tyla featuring Zara Larsson

Last show binged: Imperfect Woman

Post-game meal: Krispy Kreme and wings