As Gotham FC seeks its first-ever NWSL Shield on Sunday, veteran midfielder Denise O’Sullivan’s mindset is completely focused on personal improvement and pushing teammates to reach their best.
Though she has already won two NWSL championships, three NWSL Shields and two NWSL Challenge Cups during a decorated eight-and-a-half-year stint with the North Carolina Courage, her commitment and desire haven’t wavered an inch.
“You can’t be complacent in this environment, and your spot is never secure,” O’Sullivan told South Ward Central in a sit-down interview at Gotham FC’s Whippany, New Jersey, training facility. “You’ve got to keep working and showing up every day.”
The 32-year-old has built a widely admired club career while appearing in 133 international matches for the Republic of Ireland women’s national football team because she simply will not allow her standards to slip.
O’Sullivan: ‘I Want to Push Myself and the Players Around Me’
It’s that daily focus that not only raises her individual level but helps fuel Gotham’s collective drive.
“I think I bring the high standards every day to training and I want to push myself and I want to push the players around me,” O’Sullivan explained. “We are in a really good position as a team. But I think this league is so competitive that you can’t stop and you don’t want to stop improving.”
On Sunday’s Decision Day, a win or a draw against the visiting Utah Royals would clinch the NWSL Shield and the No. 1 playoff seed for the Bats — as would a loss or draw by San Diego Wave FC in their visit to Bay FC.
O’Sullivan Embraces Shared Leadership at Gotham FC
When O’Sullivan looks around the Gotham FC dressing room, it’s clear that there’s no shortage of leaders.
She gazes at experienced pros like captain Tierna Davidson, Ann-Katrin Berger, Jess Carter, Rose Lavelle, Mandy Freeman, Jaelin Howell, Midge Purce, Guro Reiten, Sam Kerr, as well as former North Carolina Courage teammate Meredith Speck and recently acquired left-back Leila Ouahabi.
“Leadership is about sharing that responsibility,” O’Sullivan explained. “I think those are the best leaders when they give other players responsibility, too. I feel like I have that here. I have a voice, which is really important, and I’m able to lead.
“But for me, I’ve always been a lead-by-example kind of leader. I think I can do that here with Gotham as well. It’s just pushing the standards every day and learning as well from Tierna, from Jess. They’re absolutely great leaders, and I can take some advice from them too. It’s just great to be around world-class players.”
O’Sullivan on Davidson’s Leadership: ‘Her Calmness Settles the Whole Team’
O’Sullivan spent three years wearing the captain’s armband for the Courage. After logging her first 10 regular-season games for Gotham, she appreciates the calming influence that Davidson has on the dressing room.
“I think Tierna is very calm and composed,” O’Sullivan said. “I think she has the respect of the room. She doesn’t have to be screaming and shouting at all. Her calmness really calms down the whole team and settles the whole team. I think she is a leader that leads by example with her work ethic, the way she conducts herself around the club, how professional she is.”
The tenacious 5-foot-4 midfielder complimented Davidson’s ability to instruct teammates on the fly.
“It’s just fantastic to play in front of her,” O’Sullivan said. “It’s really good because she communicates so well. For me, I’m always hearing Tierna behind me, left shoulder, right shoulder, just kind of guiding me. It’s really easy as a six/eight to have a center-back like that behind you. She’s a fantastic leader.”
O’Sullivan Eager to Add to Gotham’s Trophy Haul as NWSL Playoffs Approach
Gotham FC has secured at least a top-two seed and home-field advantage for the first two playoff rounds regardless of Sunday’s result against Utah.
The Bats will host the quarterfinal round at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Sunday, November 8, with their opponent to be decided by how the Decision Day final standings shake out.
O’Sullivan is eager to add to Gotham’s history and winning tradition as the playoffs draw near.
“I’m really proud to play for Gotham,” O’Sullivan stated. “When I think of this club, very ambitious. I’m happy, happy to be here. Just looking ahead, I think women’s sport and the way Gotham are pushing football in America is pretty amazing, actually.
“You can see that by having the new stadium, we’re getting new facilities. So, it’s been amazing. I hope I can just keep contributing to the success.”
O’Sullivan and Gotham are scheduled to face Utah in Sunday’s regular-season finale at 5 p.m. Eastern Time in a nationally televised broadcast on ESPN.
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