You’ll Get a Kick Out of Abby Wambach and Glennon Doyle’s Love Story

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You never know where or when true love is going to strike.

At a library convention in 2016, Abby Wambach and Glennon Doyle crossed paths. They both had new books to showcase. Doyle’s book, Love Warrior, delved into the extensive efforts she and her husband, Craig Melton, invested in rebuilding their marriage after a string of issues, such as his infidelity.

What happened next was pretty unexpected.

In early 2020, the author and motivational speaker reminisced to the Wall Street Journal about a time when Abby arrived. A significant event transpired for them, as they recognized in Abby someone who hadn’t absorbed the baggage they had been trying to discard. Abby appeared so unburdened, strong, and kind, standing out among everyone else. The author had always felt distinct, but with Abby, they finally comprehended. They didn’t have a thought like, “Oh, I’m gay.” Instead, they simply knew that Abby was their person, forever and always.

Simultaneously, Wambach – a two-time Olympic gold medalist and World Cup winner for the U.S. women’s national soccer team – was present at the convention, promoting her memoir titled “Forward“. In this book, she discussed not only her accomplishments, but also personal topics like her recent divorce and her struggle with alcohol and pill addiction.

Instead of constantly feeling like the most robust individual, there was a time when a “Christian mommy blogger” entered her life, as she herself boasted on a sweatshirt.

As I embark on my 45th birthday journey this coming June 2nd, I’ve come to realize that my life has been predominantly defined by the pursuit and attainment of victories. Born as the youngest among seven siblings in Rochester, N.Y., soccer was introduced to me at the tender age of four, a passion ignited when my mother borrowed a book about the sport from our local library.

She earned the title of an All-American player in both high school and college, and during her time at the University of Florida Gators, she holds the record as their all-time goal scorer. As a freshman in 1998, she guided the team to their inaugural women’s soccer championship.

1. During her initial professional year, Wambach received the title of WUSA’s Rookie of the Year, and she has been a six-time U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year. In the year 2012, following the U.S. women’s team winning their second consecutive Olympic gold medal, she was bestowed with FIFA World Player of the Year—an honor only given to four women in total, and the first since Mia Hamm, her former Washington Freedom teammate, received it in 2002. (Notably, they both scored a record-breaking 33 goals each in the league during 2003.)

Reach an impressive peak in soccer, Wambach did just that. Her inherent skill, dedication, and determination placed her among the greatest athletes across all sports.

Her personal life, however, was a little more all over the place.

After retiring from the US Women’s National Team at the close of 2015, she found herself being issued caution signs (yellow cards) by life.

In the spring of 2016, I found myself facing a DUI charge after an unfortunate incident in Portland, Oregon where I ran a red light. I swiftly accepted responsibility for my actions by pleading guilty. As part of the agreement, I agreed to install an ignition interlock device in my car and undergo comprehensive treatment for substance abuse issues related to alcohol.

Since it was her initial offense, she qualified to expunge the conviction from her criminal history after a year, provided she completed a diversion program successfully. However, the representative from MVP Healthcare viewed her humiliating legal incident as a valuable lesson that served as a wake-up call for her.

That fateful night when I was arrested turned out to be one of the most pivotal moments in my life. If it hadn’t been for the public embarrassment and shame, I don’t believe I would have woken up from a long slumber. For years, I seemed to be unresponsive to the calls for help coming from my loved ones, as well as myself. But that night, the humiliation was enough to jolt me awake. (Wambach shared this perspective with the Associated Press during her book tour in September.)

Simultaneously, her relationship with Sarah Huffman, her wife, was strained. The two had been teammates on the Western New York Flash and exchanged vows on a Kauai beach in October 2013. Later, Wambach clarified that their wedding wasn’t a political statement since same-sex marriage wasn’t yet legal in Hawaii at the time, nor would it be nationwide until 2015.

She shared with reporters a fortnight after her wedding, “I had no intention of waiting for a state’s approval for my personal life.” Additionally, she clarified, “I can’t speak for others, but personally, I believe the era of hiding one’s identity is over. I have never felt like I was hiding, nor did I ever feel that way. I’ve always been comfortable with who I am and the choices I made.

She added, “In my soccer circle, no one has ever questioned my personal life, as it shouldn’t, since it doesn’t concern soccer. However, I understand being a public figure might spark curiosity about my private affairs. Frankly, I’m not the type to announce such personal details publicly, like standing on a podium and proclaiming, ‘I am homosexual, listen to me!’ That’s not my style.

However, the passionate kiss shared between them following the USWNT’s World Cup victory in July 2015 spoke volumes on its own, undeniably worthy of the Romance Hall of Fame. And despite their separation only a few months later, Wambach acknowledged Huffman for providing crucial support during tumultuous times when her life seemed to be falling apart.

For a long time, I concealed a secret not only from the world, but also from those closest to me – my loved ones were shielding me as well, their love being so intense they wanted to safeguard me as much as they could, even from myself,” she shared with AP, discussing her struggles with substance abuse. “Sarah was instrumental in helping me recognize and address the issues I was facing. This wasn’t a recent revelation that emerged after my retirement from soccer; instead, these challenges have been something I’ve grappled with for many years.

Wambach expressed, “Discussing certain matters can be tough when one feels embarrassed. However, I am no longer ashamed of my past experiences because they played a crucial role in bringing me to where I am today. I take pride in where I stand now.

At that moment, it wasn’t clear that she had developed a new affection for the Momastery blogger, Glennon Doyle.

As someone who’s no stranger to facing and conquering personal challenges, I, Doyle, struggled with bulimia at a tender age. During my college years, I also found myself succumbing to alcohol and drugs. However, it wasn’t until 2002, when I learned of my first pregnancy, that I made the life-changing decision to embrace sobriety. Upon discovering my pregnancy, I tied the knot with my now-ex-husband, feeling it was the morally correct choice, as I confessed to Glamour.com.

Doyle admitted on the MamaMia No Filter podcast in May 2020 that he’d never kissed a woman before, leaving him without any prior experience to prepare for what was coming. However, when Abby entered the room, something inside him resonated strongly. It was as if a voice he had been learning to trust after his separation suddenly roared. His entire being responded with, ‘there she is,’ and he instinctively knew.

Approximately a month following their initial exchange, Doyle mentioned, another month passed before he confided in Craig, “It’s finished. I’m in love.” It’s worth noting that prior to this moment, Abby and I had never met outside of that room. We spent only 10 minutes together, and subsequently, we rearranged our entire lives to be together.

According to Wambach, she shared with the New York Times that we couldn’t have been more mismatched. Glennon was married with three kids, residing in Naples, Florida. In contrast, I had recently become sober, my marriage was crumbling, I had just retired from soccer after 30 years, and I lived in Portland, Oregon.

In November, their Instagram relationship status was confirmed when Doyle shared a picture featuring Wambach, captioned, “Meet Abby. She’s quite famous in soccer circles.

By December 2016, they had peacefully parted ways with their respective spouses (Doyle described the divorce as amicable), and in May 2017, they chose to wed one another, establishing a home in Naples.

In my experience as a lifestyle expert, Wambach’s courageous openness made me embrace my authentic self wholeheartedly. To put it simply, she demonstrated to me that I am utterly lovable, just the way I am, as I shared with the Wall Street Journal.

Beyond her literary pursuits such as her 2020 book titled “Untamed,” Doyle also founded Together Rising, a charitable organization dedicated to assisting vulnerable women and families. Additionally, she is the host of the podcast “We Can Do Hard Things,” which serves as a source of life advice and a popular destination for celebrities eager to open up about their lives. Recently, on this very podcast, Doyle revealed in January that she had been diagnosed with anorexia, a surprising revelation since she believed her ongoing eating problems were due to bulimia.

Abby Wambach, often seen alongside her spouse on WCDHT, initiated the leadership development and training program named Wolfpack Endeavor. This initiative was sparked by a 2018 commencement speech she delivered at Barnard College, which later became her 2019 book titled “Wolfpack: Learning to Work Together, Unleashing Our Strengths, and Changing the Game.

Throughout much of her professional journey, she avoided engaging in political matters to keep focus on sports. However, as her tenure with the US Women’s National Team neared its end, she grew increasingly vocal, particularly when it came to advocating for gender equality and fair compensation in women’s soccer.

Additionally, they both actively work together raising their three children with Melton, a man she affectionately refers to as one of the kindest individuals after her partner, in the context of co-parenting duties.

About a year and a half ago, when I was battling tough times and feeling unwell, if someone had told me that I would become a stepmother, achieve sobriety, reside in Florida, and be as content as I’ve ever been, I would have dismissed them as not truthful,” Abby Wambach shared with SI.com back in June 2017. The kids – Chase, Tish, and Amma – “have been the most insightful teachers I have ever encountered.

Just like every athlete understands, improvement in any skill or aspect comes with time and practice. Building up either physical or mental muscles requires repetition.

Initially, for about two years, I mainly observed rather than actively participating in the emotional well-being, physical safety, and development of these children, as I was a bit apprehensive, Glamour.com reported in October 2019. I felt somewhat detached, like an outsider, unsure of my role, and if you could see Glennon parenting, it would be like working with the greatest coach without any prior experience. However, as time went by, I understood that we each possess unique abilities, and we offer distinct benefits to our children. There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all parenting style.

Meanwhile, Melton takes care of his part, Wambach admitted that her spouse’s former husband required some time to adjust to the latest changes in their lives.

She shared that there’s more to their story than meets the eye: “Our family didn’t just become loving overnight; it required considerable effort.” The journey began with Craig, who selflessly set aside his feelings for the sake of his children during the divorce process. He granted them the freedom to love me, a gesture that she considers one of the most generous acts anyone has ever done for her and perhaps Glennon as well.

Melton shared with the New York Times, “I’ve noticed many individuals in comparable predicaments where the former partners prioritize their egos over the children’s wellbeing. I aimed to be the most exemplary role model possible, understanding that there was some harm caused during our relationship that was my responsibility.

Previously on her website, Doyle expressed her Christian beliefs while acknowledging no conflict with homosexuality. In the show “No Filter,” she shared, “I am thankful that I have always instilled in my children the value of celebrating people for who they are at every level and standing up for those marginalized. This allowed them to wholeheartedly embrace Abby [Wambach] when the time came.

Moreover, the author stated, “She’s not just an addition to our family; she seems more like a long-lost member we’ve only recently discovered. And Craig concurs with this sentiment.

It appears they might be catching up on missed moments, cherishing each moment spent together and creating memories rapidly.

In Doyle’s own words on the MamaMia’s No Filter podcast, describing their first encounter with Wambach in 2016, he said it was as if an intense rush of sweat swept over him from head to toe, almost as if his very life depended on being near this person. It wasn’t a blossoming friendship, but rather a profound recognition – a sentiment shared by both parties.

She admitted that despite her initial apprehensions and fears due to the many concerns she had at the moment, it’s intriguing how swiftly things unfolded, yet at the same time, they moved at a slower pace. After all, they hadn’t even managed a hug or a touch during their brief encounter when their book tours coincidentally brought them together.

I recall being with Abby when I asked, “‘Is it truly our plan to proceed with this action, without even a kiss between us? Aren’t we acting impulsively?’

During Pride Month, Doyle shared an old picture of themselves embracing, captured within St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. This was an act of defiant jubilation.

She penned, “Everyone in Love is a Warrior.” Gratefully acknowledging the warriors who paved the way, and wholly dedicated to battling for those who will follow.

Currently, both Wambach and Doyle have gained significant attention as knowledgeable authorities, with crowds eager to learn about the key factors behind their achievements and their unique approach to navigating the complexities of contemporary family life.

In October 2019, during their Together Live speaking tour, Wambaugh told Glamour.com that they were utilizing their first marriages as a reference point – things they did that didn’t sit well with them, events that were perplexing and left them disoriented. Both Glennon and I had to extend forgiveness for our past errors, and we also needed to establish clear channels of communication. Each of us has made efforts to manifest the most authentic and beautiful versions of ourselves, and as a result, we’ve cultivated the most wonderful and truthful marriage that we could envision. It’s not something that just happens; it’s something that we actively work on creating together.

Doyle stated on Glamour.com that they are both strong advocates for feminism in every aspect. One advantage of being in a same-sex marriage is recognizing, even when you thought yourself progressive, the need to discard the traditional gender roles instilled during upbringing. I recall having a conversation with Abby where I expressed my support for equality but also had a question: Who between us will handle the bugs?

She admitted that she assumed the more traditional, old-fashioned wife role during her first marriage, stating, “Initially, when we got married, I tended to leave most of the responsibilities to Abby. One evening, she expressed her feelings, saying, ‘I don’t wish to bear this burden alone. I need you to share it with me. I need your support in managing our finances.’ We sought help from a financial advisor, and at first, I was bewildered, but I persisted. Now, Abby no longer feels isolated when handling our financial matters.

Furthermore, Doyle pointed out, “In a contemporary marriage, a partner isn’t someone who asks, ‘What can I do to assist?’ as if they’re an employee. It’s about sharing the mental load so that neither person is solely responsible for decision-making and managing responsibilities.

Glennon expressed that there’s likely much more similarity than difference between their family and other families, including hers and Wambach, as they share parenthood for sons Chase, Tish, and Amma. She added that what sets them apart is having three parents in their family: two women (herself and Wambach) and Craig, her ex-husband. They manage their blended family differently from most families, as they equally co-parent with all three of them involved.

Wambach stated, “Just like everyone else, we experience similar happenings at home. We play, enjoy ourselves, bicker occasionally, show affection, and watch television together.

2016 saw Doyle praising Wambach’s relationship as more than just soccer skills and women’s rights advocacy. Instead, he emphasized her deep sensitivity, kindness, and bravery. He referred to Wambach as an “M&M,” a tough exterior but soft and sweet inside. Doyle shared that she is incredibly kind not only to him but also to his family members, including his sister Amanda, and everyone around her. Furthermore, he expressed how wonderful she is to him.

Prior to my encounter with Glennon, I was leading a life that was both swift and challenging, as Wambaugh confessed to People magazine in May 2020. Labeling herself as a “bonus mother,” she stated that the children and Glennon have been the ones who have taught me everything.

The family welcomed Hattie to the fold in 2020. She joined bulldog sister Honey.

Deep-rooted backing is evident, as Wambach’s Instagram profile is adorned with various snapshots of Doyle’s newest book, Untamed.

The support river runs both ways, with Doyle sporting some Wolfpack merch on a cozy day at home.

Wambach stated to People that divorce is challenging. However, Craig, Glennon, and I opt for daily compromise. We strive to minimize the impact on our children’s lives as much as we can.

Wambach and Melton serve as coaches for Tish’s youth soccer team, and they have also been teammates on a co-ed adult league team in the past.

Wambach clarified to Glamour.com that they don’t spend every waking moment discussing their marriage. Instead, they engage in a “moral inventory” at bedtime, which involves reflecting on their day and addressing any issues that may have arisen with mutual respect and calmness. In essence, their modern marriage is about analyzing the facts of their individual lives together to find understanding.

They aren’t deterred by putting in effort, as they are always committed to giving their all – one hundred ten percent – to causes that matter deeply to them.

According to Wambach, she said in 2019 that “it’s not over” when it comes to marriage. Getting married and saying “I do” is the start of the race, but it’s not the finish line. That’s where the real work begins because everyone knows how exciting it can be to court and fall in love. Marriage is about continually choosing to love each other day by day and working together to create something beautiful. I feel fortunate to have a partner who loves talking as much as I do.

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2025-06-02 13:18