Calling for Representation, NWSL Star Tziarra King Collaborates with NWHL on T-Shirt Designs

BROOKLYN – Earlier this summer, soccer star Tziarra King tweeted that she had become a fan of the NWHL’s Metropolitan Riveters. But King – a National Women’s Soccer League first-round pick by Utah Royals FC out of North Carolina State – had a concern. “I really want this shirt,” she wrote of a Riveters t-shirt with an illustration of a woman’s hair coming out of a hockey helmet. “But can we get some texture in that pony(tail) for the black girls? I’m thinking something like (Riveters rookie) Saroya Tinker. Maybe one for the short-haired girls too?”

Since then, a soccer/hockey crossover was formed. King shared her time and talent with the NWHL, collaborating on a few additional designs for the line of t-shirts that addressed her call for more representation. The new designs, created by league marketing director Ksenia Selemon in conjunction with King as a special consultant, are available beginning today at shop.nwhl.zone for fans of the Riveters, Buffalo Beauts, Connecticut Whale, and Minnesota Whitecaps, at the online team store of the Toronto Six at t6fanwear.com, and the newly-opened bostonpridehockey.com for the Boston Pride.

King was the ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2020 and was the first NC State women’s soccer player in 24 years to be named All-American. A New Jersey native, the 22-year-old King was named one of the finalists for this year’s NCAA Woman of the Year Award, which recognizes graduating athletes who distinguished themselves in academics, athletics, service, and leadership during their collegiate careers. She was chosen with the eighth overall selection in the 2020 NWSL Draft by Utah Royals FC.

“I appreciate the NWHL for listening to my concerns and taking action,” said King. “Representation is such an important part of feeling empowered, especially in a space where many people don’t look like you. I challenge the NWHL and the entire sport of hockey to make strides towards a more inclusive environment for all. I’m so glad to have collaborated with the NWHL on these designs and look forward to following the league for many years to come.” 

“Tziarra King is an athlete and a woman we can all look up to and learn from,” said Commissioner Dani Rylan, “and the NWHL is thankful for her contributions to this project.”

NWHL Contact: Chris Botta cbotta@nwhlq.com