Helping hand
Ex-Dash goalie Carter’s work with soccer goes beyond lines — on field and society
Ex-Dash goalie Carter’s work with soccer goes beyond lines.
Haley Carter meant it when she said she would do anything to help the Afghanistan women’s national soccer team a few years ago.
Carter, the former Dash goalkeeper who hails from Friendswood, was all in when she heard the program needed help in 2016. Before she knew it, she was an assistant coach helping women succeed in the world’s most popular sport.
Shortly thereafter, Carter faced the challenge of helping her players off the field as well during a tough situation.
Several members of the team allege they were sexually and physically abused by men who were part of the Afghanistan Football Federation.
The Afghan government and FIFA each conducted its own investigation. The team is awaiting official announcements from both.
In the meantime, Carter is helping in any way she can. She’s participated in investigations and has supported the players and their families through this tough stretch.
Tumultuous time
It’s a tumultuous time for a team Carter cares deeply for, but if anyone is equipped to deal with a stressful situation, it’s Carter. She’s organized, compassionate and intelligent. Even though she’d rather be coaching the women on the field, she can be of service to the players away from it.
“It’s been a lot to deal with, but it’s what you do,” Carter said. “I’m trying to do my part to help these women.”
It’s not surprising to see Carter devoting her time to the team she’s so passionate about. She’s often dedicated herself to causes and groups she cares about. She’s the picture of dedication, loyalty and strength.
As a standout soccer player at Friendswood — a program with a history of success — Carter had options for where she would play her college ball and earn her degree. The goalkeeper played in three state championships with the Mustangs and won one, in 2001.
Long before offers came, though, Carter knew she wanted to go to a service academy. She went to the Naval Academy and played four seasons.
She spent the next eight years in the Marine Corps, where she served two tours of duty in Iraq before being stationed in Hawaii. There she worked to excavate the remains of missing U.S. service members all over the world. It was important and rewarding work.
She spent her free time playing soccer — recreationally and on the semi-professional level.
While in Hawaii, she also had her son. Carter was back to the sport quickly after giving birth.
Thanks to her time as a Marine, Carter is incredibly detailoriented. She sets tasks to accomplish and checks them off a list.
So running a half-marathon a couple of months after having a baby didn’t seem crazy to her. Getting back to playing soccer was something she wanted to do, not something she felt pressure to do.
Her life’s passion
Soccer has always brought her joy. It wasn’t work. It made her happy. Plus, she needed to be sharp and back in shape so she could do her job well.
After Hawaii, Carter moved back to Texas. She was living and working in Austin when she heard about the National Women’s Soccer League starting up and that a team — the Dash — was headed to Houston.
“I decided to try out,” she said. “I had to. And they invited me to come back.”
Carter spent the next three years on the roster. In addition to playing, she coached at Huston-Tillotson University and
Sam Houston State.
When she retired from playing, she met Khalida Popal — the program director for the Afghanistan women’s national team. Carter told Popal to call her if she could ever help. That call came quickly and Carter was on board to be an assistant coach for the team.
“I was thrilled to be a part of it,” Carter said. “We all were. We’d basically all call other friends and tell them what we were doing and they’d join on, too. Everyone wanted to see this succeed.”
From Hummel-designed uniforms that included a sewn in hijab to finding places all over the globe to meet for camps because of safety concerns, there were highs and lows with the team. But Carter loved being involved.
She grew close to the players, loved working with them, was inspired to see the growth of the sport and the empowerment of women.
So, when the sexual abuse allegations came out, it was crushing. Soon after the allegations, the players were asked to sign a contract that took away their rights to speak out about what was happening.
Carter and fellow coaches could not in good conscience support the contract or their players signing it.
That was last fall. By December, five members of the Afghan Football Federation were suspended and all are waiting for the results of the investigations.
Blemish on women’s soccer
For now, Carter and her colleagues are waiting. What’s happening with the Afghanistan team is a blemish for women’s soccer during a big year for the sport. This month’s upcoming World Cup will shine a light on the sport. While that competition will earn a ton of recognition, it’s important to remember what the Afghanistan players are dealing with.
Carter, who spends her free time with her 7-year old son, finds ways to be involved with the sport she loves. She serves as the PA announcer at Dash games and stays involved with the club. Hopefully her work with the Afghanistan women’s team can continue in a positive way.
“I love soccer,” she said. “It’s always been a positive part of my life and I know it means a lot to so many women out there. If I can do anything to help empower them, I am all for it.”