Ashlyn Harris knows sometimes the biggest challenges happen off the field.
And navigating her public divorce from ex-wife Ali Krieger has made for one of Ashlyn’s toughest seasons yet.
"I'm navigating a divorce that's been really hard," Ashlyn said July 16 during a Women’s Health panel. "I'm just riding the waves and realizing I can only control what's in my controllables. I can't control everyone else's reaction. I can't control everyone else's opinions of me. I have to own myself and my body and be present and be human."
But while she can’t control what everyone else does, she can control how she shelters her and Ali’s children—daughter Sloane, 3, and son Ocean, 2—from the storm.
"My storm doesn't have to be theirs," the soccer star—who debuted her relationship with Sophia Bush in October—added. "It's one of the hardest things I've ever had to go through, dealing with a divorce with two very young children and not letting them see or feel my storm and rain. It's a really big test."
And one of her go-to plays has been ensuring her own mental health is in check, including quelling her anxiety, which she likened to a fire.
"I say this often to Sophia—if I'm walking into a fire, I have to be equipped for that fire,” the 38-year-old explained. “I have to get my fire suit, I've got to get my tools, I gotta get my oxygen mask, I gotta get my water hose.”
She continued, "I'm f*cking breaking down that door and I'm finding a way [out]. It might not be an easy window—it might be a back door, it might be climbing through a roof. But I'm equipped to handle the process."
The former USNWT athlete filed for divorce from Ali in September 2023 after almost four years of marriage. One month later, multiple outlets reported that she and Sophia were dating.
But while speculation ran rampant over the timing of the couple’s split and Ashlyn and Sophia’s relationship, Sophia—who split from ex-husband Grant Hughes in August 2023—has been clear that there was no wrongdoing on anyone’s part.
"There was a lot that quickly turned ugly," the One tree Hill alum wrote in an essay for Glamour published in April. "People looking in from the outside weren't privy to just how much time it took, how many painful conversations were had. What felt like seconds after I started to see what was in front of me, the online rumor mill began to spit in the ugliest ways."
She continued, "The idea that I left my marriage based on some hysterical rendezvous—that, to be crystal-clear, never happened—rather than having taken over a year to do the most soul crushing work of my life? It feels brutal. Just because I didn't want to process my realizations in real time on social media and spell them out for the world doesn't mean the journey wasn't long and thoughtful and exhaustive."
But these days, she and Ashlyn are both happier than ever. And when Sophia celebrated her 42nd birthday on July 8, Ashlyn made sure she knew how much she’s loved.
"You are such a gift in this world," Ashlyn wrote on Instagram, alongside a carousel of photos of the two. "To see you shine and happy fills us all up. I love your heart Soph… I love everything about you. Happy born day baby."
And Sophia shared the love write back. "Last year I got free," the Chicago P.D. star wrote in the comments. "This year I found the very best love in the very most unexpected place."
"I may never get over the gift of it," she continued. "Thank you for putting me back together. For making my second birthday even better than my first. And for reminding me what the sound of my unbridled laughter sounds like. You are magic. You are my best present."
And for more of the couple's cutest moments, keep reading.
Pride Month Selfie
The two marked the end of their first Pride Month as a couple in June 2024 with this adorable selfie shared by the soccer star.
Cannes Selfie
While attending the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, the soccer star posted this selfie with the One Tree Hill alum and basketball player Sue Bird.
Summer Celebration
In July 2023, the pair attended a watch party in Los Angeles for the FIFA Women's World Cup.
Cheers
The duo was photographed cheering alongside Michelle Akers and Linda Gancitano.
Art Basel Beauties
While attending Art Basel in December 2023, Michelle Tillou shared this Instagram photo with Ashlyn and Sophia.
Award Season Style
The duo struck a pose with Eric McCormack at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 32nd Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party in March 2024.
Group Shot
The pair also spent time with Stephanie Nguyen and Bobby Berk at the star-studded gathering.
Red Carpet Debut
Ashlyn and Sophia made their red carpet debut at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in April 2024.
Late Night
Following the dinner, the couple cozied up at an after-party at the Swiss ambassador's residence.
City of Love
Sophia and Ashlyn enjoyed a romantic trip to Paris in May 2024.
Say Oui
The Chicago P.D. actress captioned this cozy-looking snapshot from a May 2024 Paris trip, "Happiness looks goo on you, baby."
J'Adore Paris
Sophia also shared this group pic from their trip to Paris in May 2024.