Midge Purce Bio
Margaret Melinda ‘Midge’ Williams-Purce (born September 18, 1995) is an American soccer player who plays as a forward for Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States national team. She previously played for Portland Thorns FC and the Boston Breakers. The Most Valuable Player of Gotham’s 2023 NWSL Championship, she is known for her strength on the ball and her willingness to defend from the attack. Purce has made significant contributions to women’s soccer both on and off the field, advocating for equal pay and opportunities for women in sports.
Early Life and Background
Midge Purce was born in Silver Spring, Maryland, to James Purce and has an older brother, JP Purce. She began playing soccer as a child, inspired by her brother’s involvement in the sport. Purce attended Parkland Magnet Middle School for Aerospace Technology and later graduated from Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic High School in Olney, Maryland, where she excelled in soccer. During her high school career, she was named Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year in 2012 and earned NSCAA All-American honors in 2010 and 2011.
Path to Soccer
Purce played college soccer at Harvard University, where she scored 42 goals in 69 appearances for the Harvard Crimson women’s soccer team. She was recognized as the Ivy League Player of the Year in both 2015 and 2016 and was named a first-team NSCAA All-American in 2016. Following her successful college career, she was drafted by the Boston Breakers with the 9th pick in the 2017 NWSL College Draft, marking the beginning of her professional journey.
Midge Purce Career
Early Career (2017-2019)
After being drafted by the Boston Breakers, Purce made her professional debut in 2017, appearing in 22 games and scoring one goal. Following the Breakers’ dissolution in January 2018, she was selected by the Portland Thorns in the dispersal draft. During her time with the Thorns, Purce transitioned from a right fullback to a forward, showcasing her versatility and scoring five goals in a span of five games during the 2019 NWSL season.
Breakthrough (2020-Present)
In 2020, Purce was traded to Sky Blue FC, which later rebranded as Gotham FC. She had a breakout season in 2021, scoring nine goals and earning a spot on the NWSL Best XI. Despite facing injuries, Purce played a crucial role in Gotham FC’s playoff run in 2023, assisting both goals in the NWSL Championship and earning MVP honors. Her dynamic playstyle and commitment to both attacking and defending have established her as a key player for Gotham FC.
Notable Works and Milestones
Midge Purce’s signature work includes her performance in the 2023 NWSL Championship, where she was named MVP. Additionally, she has received multiple accolades, including the Ivy League Player of the Year in 2015 and 2016, and recognition in the 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 list for her advocacy work.
Midge Purce Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Midge Purce has been nominated for several prestigious awards, reflecting her impact on the field and her contributions to the sport.
Midge Purce Awards Won
Midge Purce has received numerous awards, including the Ivy League Player of the Year in both 2015 and 2016, and the NSCAA All-American title in 2016. She was also recognized in 2023 as part of the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for her efforts in promoting equality in sports.
Midge Purce Family
Midge Purce is the daughter of James Purce and has an older brother, JP Purce. Details about her family life are limited, as she tends to keep her personal life private.
Personal Life
In addition to her soccer career, Purce is an advocate for equal pay in sports and co-founded the Black Women’s Players Collective, which aims to advance opportunities for black girls in sports and beyond. She is also serving a six-year term on the Board of Overseers at Harvard University, reflecting her commitment to education and social issues. Purce is the creator of ‘The Offseason,’ a reality television series featuring NWSL players in training, which premiered in 2024.
