Midge Purce Wiki, Bio, Networth, BF, Husband, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Midge Purce

Margaret Melinda “Midge” Williams-Purce is a distinguished American professional soccer player, celebrated for her dynamic role as a forward for NJ/NY Gotham FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States women’s national team. Renowned for her formidable strength on the ball, skillful dribbling, and relentless defensive pressure from the front, Purce has established herself as a key offensive force. Beyond her on-field achievements, including winning the 2023 NWSL Championship with Gotham FC and being named the Championship MVP, she is a prominent advocate for social justice and equality. Purce is a co-founder of the Black Women’s Player Collective and has been a vocal proponent of equal pay, even speaking at the White House on the issue. Her influence extends to her alma mater, Harvard University, where she serves on the Board of Overseers.

Midge Purce Overview

Early Life and Education of Midge Purce

Margaret Melinda Williams-Purce, known affectionately as “Midge,” was born on September 18, 1995, in Silver Spring, Maryland. Raised in Olney, Maryland, by her father, James Purce, alongside her older brother, JP, she was instilled with a strong work ethic from a young age. Her father, a single parent, mandated that both his children participate in sports and learn a musical instrument. Purce began playing soccer as a child, inspired by her older brother. Her nickname “Midge” was given to her by teammates on her first youth team because she was relatively small. However, her dedication was immense; she would join early-morning pickup games with her brother and his friends and train alone even in the middle of winter. She attended Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic High School in Olney, where her talent flourished. At Good Counsel, she was a standout player, earning NSCAA All-American honors in 2010 and 2011 and being named the Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year in 2012. Her academic and athletic prowess led her to Harvard University, where she majored in psychology with initial thoughts of pursuing a career in law or pediatric psychiatry.

Midge Purce’s Career

Midge Purce has forged a remarkable career, marked by collegiate stardom, professional success, and international recognition. Her journey began at Harvard University, where she played for the Crimson from 2013 to 2016. In her freshman year, she made an immediate impact, becoming the first player in Ivy League history to be named both Rookie of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year. Over her 69 appearances, she scored an impressive 42 goals, ranking her among the program’s all-time leading scorers. She was a four-time first-team All-Ivy selection, a two-time Ivy League Player of the Year (2015, 2016), and a first-team NSCAA All-American in her senior year.

Purce’s professional career commenced when she was selected as the ninth overall pick in the 2017 NWSL College Draft by the Boston Breakers. After the Breakers ceased operations, she was chosen by the Portland Thorns FC in the 2018 Dispersal Draft. In Portland, she transitioned from a forward to playing primarily as a right fullback, making 41 appearances over two seasons. In 2020, a trade brought her to Sky Blue FC, which would later rebrand as NJ/NY Gotham FC. This move proved to be a turning point, as she returned to a forward position and thrived. The 2021 season was a breakout year for Purce; she led Gotham with nine goals, finished second in the NWSL Golden Boot race, was named to the NWSL Best XI, and was a finalist for the league’s MVP award. Her career reached a new pinnacle in 2023 when she led Gotham FC to their first-ever NWSL Championship, providing two crucial assists in the final and earning the title of Championship MVP.

On the international stage, Purce represented the United States at various youth levels, including the U-17 and U-20 World Cups. She received her first call-up to the senior national team in 2017 and made her debut in November 2019. She scored her first goal for the USWNT in January 2021 against Colombia. Purce has been a part of several successful campaigns, winning the SheBelieves Cup multiple times and contributing to victories in the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship and the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup.

Midge Purce Personal Life & Family

Midge Purce was raised in Olney, Maryland, by her father, James Purce, who was a single parent to Midge and her older brother, JP. Her father played a pivotal role in her development, instilling discipline and a strong work ethic. He was a constant presence, driving her to countless practices and games, and their bond is exceptionally close. Midge has spoken about how she tells her father everything and credits him for getting her through all of life’s challenges. James Purce, who played baseball and football, supported Midge’s soccer ambitions, even when he initially questioned her desire to play professionally for a low salary after graduating from Harvard. Information regarding Midge Purce’s romantic life, such as a husband or girlfriend/boyfriend, is not publicly disclosed. She maintains a private stance on her personal relationships.

Awards and Achievements of Midge Purce

• NWSL Champion (2023)
• NWSL Championship Game MVP (2023)
• NWSL Best XI First Team (2021)
• NWSL MVP Finalist (2021)
• CONCACAF W Championship Winner (2022)
• CONCACAF W Gold Cup Winner (2024)
• SheBelieves Cup Winner (2021, 2022, 2023)
• Forbes 30 Under 30 – Sports (2023)
• NSCAA First-Team All-American (2016)
• MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist (2016)
• Ivy League Player/Offensive Player of the Year (2015, 2016)
• Ivy League Rookie of the Year (2013)
• Four-time First-Team All-Ivy League (2013-2016)
• Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year (2012)

Midge Purce Net Worth and Income

As of 2025, Midge Purce’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. This wealth is primarily accumulated through her professional soccer contracts with NJ/NY Gotham FC in the NWSL and her appearances with the U.S. Women’s National Team. In January 2022, she signed a two-year contract extension with Gotham, and she signed a new one-year deal in February 2025. Beyond her salary, Purce’s income is supplemented by endorsements, speaking engagements, and her ventures outside of soccer. She is an increasingly influential figure, which enhances her earning potential through various brand partnerships. Her work as a creator and producer for projects like “The Offseason” also contributes to her income.

Legacy and Influence

Midge Purce’s legacy is being built on a foundation of excellence both on and off the soccer pitch. As a player, she is known for her tenacity, versatility, and game-changing offensive abilities, culminating in an NWSL Championship and MVP performance. However, her influence extends far beyond her athletic achievements. Purce is a powerful advocate for racial and gender equality. She is a co-founder and board member of the Black Women’s Players Collective (BWPC), a non-profit organization created to advance opportunities for Black girls and women in sport and beyond. The BWPC was born from conversations among Black players during the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup in response to the league’s handling of social justice protests. Purce has also been a prominent voice in the fight for equal pay, famously speaking at the White House in 2021 alongside teammate Megan Rapinoe. Her election to the Harvard Board of Overseers in 2020, as one of its youngest members, further solidifies her position as a leader and a voice for a new generation. Through her advocacy and her willingness to tell her own story, she is actively shaping a more equitable and inclusive future for women’s sports.

Interesting Facts about Midge Purce

• As a child, Purce was required by her father to learn a musical instrument and played the violin.
• She was elected to a six-year term on the Harvard University Board of Overseers in 2020.
• Purce co-created and executive produced a docuseries called “The Offseason,” which provides a behind-the-scenes look at NWSL players preparing for the season.
• She delivered a powerful speech at the White House for Equal Pay Day in 2021, stating, “You would never expect a flower to bloom without water. But women in sport who have been denied water, sunlight and soil are somehow expected to blossom.”
• While at Harvard, she initially considered a pre-med track before switching her focus to psychology and law.
• She is a fan of Manchester United, a passion sparked when her dad bought her a jersey as a kid.
• Purce has branched into media, serving as a commentator for CBS’s NWSL Championship and FIFA Men’s World Cup coverage.

Controversies

There are no widely reported controversies involving Midge Purce. She is known for her professionalism and her role as a respected advocate for positive change within the sports world.

Social Media Presence

• Instagram – Information not disclosed
• Twitter – Information not disclosed
• YouTube – Information not disclosed

Final Words about Midge Purce

Midge Purce’s career is a compelling narrative of talent, intelligence, and unwavering purpose. She has evolved from a prolific collegiate scorer to an NWSL champion and an established member of the U.S. Women’s National Team. Her dynamic style of play makes her a constant threat on the field, but her impact is equally profound off of it. As a co-founder of the Black Women’s Player Collective, a Harvard Overseer, and a tireless advocate for equality, she is reshaping the landscape of women’s sports for future generations. Having overcome significant injuries, her resilience is a testament to her character. As she continues to compete at the highest level while expanding her influence through media production and advocacy, Midge Purce is not just writing her own story; she is actively creating a more equitable and celebrated space for all women in sports.