Soccer star Jaelene Hinkle refused US national team place because of LGBT shirt
A football star quit a national club as ‘God didn’t want her to wear a Pride jersey’.
Jaelene Hinkle, who plays for the National Carolina Courage team, was asked to play for the US women’s national soccer team last year.
But while she said it was her ‘dream’, she ended up saying no to the opportunity.
‘God told me not to wear Pride jersey’ on national team
In a recent interview with the 700 club, Hinkle has confirmed it is because she refused to wear a jersey that would show support for the LGBTI community.
The US team has a massive LGBTI fan base. The team wore the jersey for two friendlies last year.
‘I felt so convicted in my spirit, that it was not my job to wear this jersey,’ Hinkle said.
‘And I gave myself three days to just seek and pray and determine what he was asking me to do in this situation.’
She added: ‘I’m essentially giving up the one dream little girls dream about their whole lives, and I’m saying no to it…
‘It was very disappointing. I think that’s where the peace trumps the disappointment, because I knew in my spirit that I was doing the right thing. I knew I was being obedient, and just because you’re obedient doesn’t make it easy.’
Women’s soccer has ‘massive’ LGBTI following
Retired soccer star Abby Wambach will report on the Rio Olympics for ESPN
Many gay and bisexual women have played on the US team.
They include Megan Rapinoe, Ashlyn Harris and retired star Abby Wambach.
‘I don’t question [God’s] goodness,’ Hinkle added.
‘Like, I know he’s good, I know he’s faithful. And if I never get a national team call-up again, then maybe that’s just part of his plan, that’s okay.
‘And maybe this is why you were meant to play soccer, just to show other believers to be obedient.’
