Small Stature, Big Dreams: Margaret Purce’s Path to Success

Margaret Purce’s path to becoming a soccer icon is a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. Often ridiculed for her petite stature and labeled a “midget,” Margaret faced bullying throughout her youth. However, what her detractors didn’t realize was that her talent on the pitch would ultimately triumph over their harsh words. Today, she stands proudly as a celebrated footballer, recognized as one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 for 2023.

In this biography, we delve into the inspiring journey of Margaret Purce, exploring more than just her remarkable skills on the field. From her childhood experiences and early life to her family background, we’ll introduce you to her parents, James Purce and Mrs. Purce, her brother J.P. Purce, her boyfriend Chris Evans, and her grandparents.

This article aims to spark your interest in her story, showcasing how far she has come in her incredible life journey—from her formative years to her rise as a football superstar. Join us as we recount the chapters of Margaret’s life, revealing the passion and determination that have shaped her into the athlete she is today.

Margaret Purce Childhood Story:

For Biography starters, Margaret bears the nickname Midge; her full name is Margaret Melinda Williams-Purce. Midge was born on the 18th day of September 1995 to her Mother and Father, James Purce, in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.

Margaret Purce arrived as the second and last of two children. All children were born into the union of their Dad, James Purce, and Mum.

Let’s take a moment to meet one of the key figures in Margaret Purce’s life: her father, James Purce. James embodies the unconditional love and support that only a father can provide his daughter. A constant presence in Margaret’s journey, he has always been there to encourage and uplift her as she pursues her dreams on and off the field.

Growing-Up Years:

Margaret Purce was raised in a single-parent household in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA. Her father, who worked hard to provide for Margeret and her elder brother J.P Purce, created a close-knit and supportive home environment.

As she is fondly called, Midge developed a strong bond with her father and J.P., cherishing their presence and guidance throughout her childhood. Despite her petite frame, Margeret’s playful nature knew no bounds.

She fearlessly engaged in activities typically associated with those bigger than her, including playing football with her elder brother, J.P. Purce. Margeret’s passion for the sport grew alongside her determination to excel, fueled by the love and encouragement she received from her family.

The nurturing environment in Silver Spring positively influenced Margeret’s upbringing. The town’s community-oriented atmosphere and the support of her father and brother shaped her character and instilled in her a resilient spirit.

Margeret’s playful and determined nature as a child laid the groundwork for her future years, eventually leading her to pursue her childhood ambition of becoming a professional footballer.

Margaret Purce Early Life:

From a young age, it became evident that the scoring sensation loved football. Margaret Purce’s love for football was roused by her brother, a skilled player during his time, and he inspired Margeret Purce to pursue a football career.

As a child, Midge’s affinity for the game was evident. But due to her petite physique, she was initially overlooked. Regardless she did not let that stand in her way.
The speedy forward would joyfully engage in soccer games with her brother, who allowed her to practice with him.

Margaret Purce’s enthusiasm extended beyond her house as she eagerly engaged in football games with her brother and his friends during the early morning hours.

With the unwavering support of her family, Midge actively nurtured and managed her talent. Her father, James Purce, acknowledged his daughter’s love for the game and made sure he instilled in her the value of hard work.

Margaret Purce’s talent was formed in her place of birth, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA —a place that embraced football and provided a supportive environment for its growth. This conducive setting was vital in shaping her skills and fostering their development.

James Purce’s parenting support and encouragement were pivotal to Midge’s football career success. He recognized his daughter’s natural abilities and love for the sport, so he wholeheartedly embraced her decision to pursue a football career.

Margaret Purce Family Background:

The fast-footed forward comes from a family deeply rooted in the love for sports and fitness. Although not a football player, her father lives a very active lifestyle while her brother played organized football as a young lad.

Growing up, her father would take her out on the tracks as a little girl and make her keep up with him.

Even when Margaret expressed her concerns about being called small, James Purce told her that all it takes to be big is to play big. With this mentality, she was enveloped in a world where athletic excellence thrived.

Margaret was raised in a Christain home. Growing up in a Catholic household significantly influenced her choice of high school.

The fast-footed female goalscorer comes from a middle-class household. While James Purce wasn’t exceedingly wealthy, he provided a comfortable upbringing for Margeret and her brother, J.P. Purce. This allowed for their essential needs to be met without financial strain, ensuring a nurturing environment for their dreams to take flight.

It remains unclear what transpired between James Purce and the mother of his kids, as she seems to be absent in their lives.

However, that did not deter him from being there for his children. It was not easy being both a father and mother to two talented children, yet James Purce did the best he could. You can tell he did a great job, as his kids are still close to him.

Despite his busy schedule, he continued to support his children’s burgeoning talent, offering guidance and mentorship. His unwavering belief in Margaret’s potential fueled her passion for the game.

Margeret Purce’s Partner – Chris Evans:

Midge’s beau hails from Princeton Junction, N.J., USA. Although his birth year is unknown, we are confident of his birth month, March.

Just like Margeret, Chris Evans is a Harvard alum. He attended Harvard from 2012 to 2016 and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. He also played collegiate NFL and represented the Harvard Football Team.

Chris Evans is a trader at Verition Fund Management LLC trader and co-founded the Maka A Play Foundation. This foundation prepares underrepresented athletic students for executive careers in competitive industries.

The two love birds met while in Harvard, and their relationship has blossomed. Chris is not shy about showing his love and support to his superstar girlfriend.

Family Life:

The female-forward player comes from a close-knit family in Silver Spring, Maryland, where she shares a special bond with her father and brother.

Their unwavering support and encouragement have played a significant role in shaping Margaret’s journey in football.

For Midge, the quote, “Family is the foundation that empowers me to pursue my dreams and reach new heights,” is entirely accurate.

About Margaret Purce Father:

James Purce, a graduate of Howard University, is a remarkable father who places great importance on education.

Single-handedly raising his children, his children continue to celebrate him on both Father’s Day and Mother’s Day for his unwavering support.

James continues to be a pillar of strength and a source of encouragement for his children’s endeavors, demonstrating the enduring power of a parent’s love and dedication.

About Margaret Purce Mother:

The scoring sensation mother’s name remains unknown, and her presence seems absent.

While her father played a significant role in raising Margeret and her brother, providing them with love and support, her mother’s absence shaped their journey.

Despite this, Margeret’s remarkable achievements stand as a testament to the strength and resilience instilled in her by her father’s unwavering dedication.

As the saying goes, “Sometimes the strongest people are the ones who have faced the toughest battles alone.”

About Margaret Purce Sibling:

Margeret Purce and her elder brother J.P. Purce share a deep bond of sibling love, supporting and cheering each other on their respective paths.

For them, siblings are the people we practice fairness, cooperation, kindness, and caring.

About Brother, J.P Purce:

Despite maintaining a low profile on social media and occasionally hiding from the camera, J.P. Purce is a Harvard alum with a law degree. However, his active involvement in the legal field remains relatively unknown.

His special bond with his sister is undeniable. Margeret Purce openly celebrates him in her instastories, highlighting his role as a supportive brother who has consistently championed her dreams and ambitions.

Margaret Purce Family Origin:

The forward marvel hails from the United States of America. She comes from Silver Spring, Maryland, located in the northeastern part of the country.

Silver Spring is a vibrant and diverse community famous for its rich history. The area is also famous for its breathtaking parks, bustling urban centres, and a thriving arts scene.

While details about Margaret’s ancestral background are unavailable, Silver Spring has a fascinating history. European immigrants settled in the area in the early 19th century and gradually transformed it into a bustling suburban community.

Silver Spring’s name is derived from a mica-flecked spring discovered in the region, which gave the water a silvery appearance.

Additionally, here is a photo of Silver Spring, capturing its vibrant streets, diverse community, and the essence of the place Margeret calls home. [Provide a photo of Silver Spring]

Margaret Purce Ethnicity:

Midge’s ethnicity is not officially known, but she is recognized as black-skinned, indicating African descent.

As a black American, she shares a cultural heritage with the African American community, which has made significant contributions to American society.

According to U.S. Census Bureau, black Americans comprise approximately 13.4% of the total U.S. population as of 2020.

You can find more information about the percentage of black Americans in the United States on the U.S. Census Bureau’s website.

Margeret Purce Education:

The fast-footed goal scorer attended Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic High School. Located on Old Vic Boulevard, Olney, this school was founded in 1958.

While enrolled in the school’s soccer team, she remained unnoticed due to her petite size. One day, during football practice, a teammate compared her to a midget, where her moniker ‘Midge’ comes from. However, she didn’t let this remark deter her; she said she never felt small.

Our Lady of Good Counsel High School provided a strong foundation for her academic and athletic development, and her exceptional skills in soccer caught the attention of college recruiters.

She bagged many awards, including the 2012 Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year, and she graduated in 2013.

Notable alumni from Margeret’s high school include Imani Dorsey, Stefon Diggs and Marty Hurney, who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.

Following her high school graduation, Margaret attended Harvard University from 2013 to 2017. At Harvard, she pursued a degree in Psychology while continuing to excel in soccer.

At first, she wanted to be a paediatric psychologist but lost interest and decided to pursue law like her brother.

Her time at Harvard allowed her to hone her athletic abilities further and thrive academically. She became a standout player as she played different positions on the college soccer team, earning numerous awards and recognition for her outstanding performance.

The scoring sensation’s high school education at Our Lady of Good Counsel and her college experience at Harvard played a crucial role in shaping Margaret’s success both on and off the field.

Career Buildup:

Margaret Purce’s father, James Purce, played a significant role in shaping her path.
He was an active individual who enjoyed running on tracks and supported his children’s soccer ambitions while emphasizing the importance of education.

When her older brother J.P. Purce was enrolled in organized football, Margaret eagerly anticipated her turn to join. It was not until she got into high school that she had a real taste of organized soccer.

Magaret Purce Biography – Football Story:

As a young girl passionate about soccer, the Forward Marvel did not enrol in any academy, but who said you need an academy to be a successful female football player?

The first place she experienced organized football was in her high school. However, she went unnoticed because of her small stature at that time.

She decided to let her skills speak for her and went ahead to win numerous awards for herself and her high school.

The scoring sensation, having been taught the importance of hard work, knew she had to do the work if she wanted to be an international sensation one day. This led to her going the extra mile to train. At some point, she was seen out in the fields training on her own during the dead of winter.

Purce’s exceptional agility and remarkable goal-scoring abilities on the field shattered any preconceived notions about her being small.

James Purce, her father, remained supportive and would be present whenever she had a football game. He made it a duty to take her to football matches whenever he could. This further strengthened the bond between father and daughter.

When she played for the Harvard Crimson, she would meet up with the then-coach Ray Leone by 5 am to train.

Road to Fame Story:

The scoring sensation is known for her unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and relentless pursuit of her dreams. Purce developed a passion for soccer at a young age and embarked on a remarkable journey to establish herself as one of the brightest stars in women’s football.

Purce’s love for the game was evident from the start. She began playing soccer as a child and honed her skills while growing up.

Her dedication and natural talent led her to become a standout player at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, where she garnered numerous accolades and helped lead her team to multiple championships.

Prior to joining the soccer team at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, she didn’t enrol into a football academy. Instead, she practiced her football skills with her brother, J.P. Purce, and his friends.

Midge’s high school allowed her to showcase the soccer skills she had learned over the years. It also served as a foundation for her to hone these skills.

After an impressive high school career, Purce continued her soccer journey at Harvard University. As a member of the Harvard Crimson, she became a force on the field. In just 69 appearances, she demonstrated her remarkable goal-scoring prowess by netting over 40 goals.

Purce consistently showcased her skills throughout her collegiate career, earning accolades such as the Ivy League Rookie of the Year. The scoring sensation also won the Ivy League Player of the Year in 2015. In 2016, she bagged the same award and won the first-team NSCAA All-American in the same year.

Her exceptional performances caught the attention of national team scouts and professional clubs, setting the stage for her future success.

Margaret Purce Bio – Rise to Fame Story:

The fast-footed goal scorer’s professional career kicked off in 2017 when the Boston Breakers selected her as the ninth overall pick in the NWSL draft.

Her debut season made an immediate impact, displaying her versatility as a forward and midfielder and earning her a reputation as a promising young talent.

Purce’s speed, technical skills, and determination on the field contributed significantly to the team’s attacking prowess, scoring vital goals and providing assists.

Following the Boston Breakers’ disbandment, Purce joined the Portland Thorns F.C. in 2018, further solidifying her success in club football. The soccer club, Portland Thorns, is known to have been behind the rise of Sophia Smith.

As one of the league’s top players, her consistently impressive performances showcased her ability to find the back of the net, create scoring opportunities, and utilize her speed to outpace defenders. Her time with the Thorns earned her recognition as a formidable threat on the field.

Purce’s success extended to the international stage when she debuted for the United States WNT in 2019. Her knack for scoring crucial goals and providing assists made her an integral part of the USWNT’s attacking line-up.

In 2021, Purce embarked on a new chapter by joining Gotham FC. The move presented a fresh challenge for the scoring sensation, allowing her to showcase her abilities further.

Establishing herself as a critical player, Purce consistently delivered outstanding performances on the field for Gotham FC. Her goal-scoring prowess, technical skills, and relentless work rate solidified her status as a standout performer.

Recently, Margaret Purce, who in 2024 suffers ACL injury, extended her contract with Gotham FC, securing her position with the team until 2025. Her innate ability to find the back of the net, create opportunities, and contribute to her team’s success has garnered domestic and international recognition.

Personal Life:

Margaret Purce, known for her incredible football talent, also has a vibrant personal life that complements her athletic achievements. Off the field, Margaret is known for her warm and charismatic personality, making her a beloved figure among her teammates and fans.

Margaret values her close-knit family and cherishes her strong bond with her father and elder brother. Growing up in a single-parent household, James Purce played a pivotal role in shaping her character. He instilled in her the values of hard work and determination.

Beyond football, Margaret is passionate about community engagement and giving back. She actively participates in charitable initiatives and uses her platform to inspire and uplift others.

In her downtime, Margaret enjoys spending quality time with loved ones, especially her boyfriend, Chris Evans, exploring new places and embracing new experiences.
Margaret’s personal life reflects her vibrant spirit and genuine love for people.

Her dedication to family, her commitment to making a difference, and her zest for life are all integral parts of who she is as an individual, making her not only a remarkable athlete but also an inspiring role model for aspiring athletes and beyond.

She is passionate about equity in sports, especially for women. Recently, she visited the white house with Megan Rapinoe, where they talked about pay equity for women in sports.
She embodies the practicality and grounded nature Virgos are known for.

Despite her success on the football field, she remains humble and down-to-earth.

Lifestyle:

The scoring sensation leads an exciting and multifaceted lifestyle encompassing her love for football, personal growth, and cherished moments with loved ones.

Alongside her rigorous training and football commitments, Midge finds joy in exploring the world and indulging in her passions.

When she’s not on the football field, the scoring sensation enjoys vacationing with her boyfriend, Chris Evans. One of their favorite destinations is Hawaii, where they unwind and create cherished memories.

Whether lounging on the beach, exploring the local culture, or engaging in thrilling adventures, Margaret values the time she spends with Chris in these beautiful locations.

One of Margaret’s passions is her love for sneakers. As a self-proclaimed sneakerhead, she has an impressive collection and enjoys staying updated with the latest releases.

Margaret’s appreciation for sneakers goes beyond functionality, extending to their unique styles and the stories they represent.

Margeret Purce Car:

The scoring sensation maintains a practical approach regarding her choice of cars. While the specific details of her car selection are unknown, Margaret is not known to splurge on expensive luxury vehicles. Instead, she values functionality and prioritizes practicality in her transportation choices.

Untold Facts:

In the final section of Margaret Purce’s Biography, we delve into lesser-known facts about her life. So, let’s dive right in and discover more about her journey without delay.

Margeret Purce Salary:

The scoring sensation’s salary in the NWSL is not publicly disclosed. However, it falls within the typical salary range for NWSL players. NWSL players’ salary ranges from $35,000 to $75,000, with annual increases of around 4% each season.

It’s important to note that player salaries in professional sports can vary based on various factors such as performance, experience, endorsements, and team negotiations.

How Rich is the female-forward dynamo:

Despite her success and rising prominence in football, Margaret Purce lives a low-profile lifestyle. She does not indulge in extravagant purchases or lavish spending. Her main passion is collecting sneakers, showcasing her love for the sneaker culture.

While Margaret values financial prudence, she has had lucrative paid partnerships with Xbox and NFT-based platforms like Algorand.

She also has an endorsement with NIKE; all these sums up her interests beyond the football field. Midge is estimated to have a net worth of around $2.5 million.

Margeret Purce FIFA:

The SOFIFA information below shows that the scoring sensation’s career strength lies in Acceleration (92). Purce shares this asset with Caitlin Foord, Melvine Malard, and Emanuelly Barni.

Finally, she enjoys a larger all-green movement rating with Leah Williamson and Fran Kirby.

Margeret Purce Religion:

Research has it that Margeret Purce comes from a Catholic Christian home. While Margaret Purce does not overtly vocalize her religious beliefs and is not considered a religious fanatic, she strongly believes in God. Religion plays a significant role in shaping her values and guiding her actions.

EndNote:

Margaret Purce is a professional American football player born on the 18th day of November 1995 in Silver Spring, Maryland.

She comes from a close-knit family and is of African American ethnicity. Raised in a catholic Christian home, Margaret value believes in the power of God.

She enrolled in Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney, Maryland, where she honed her football skills further. Margaret’s passion for the sport and exceptional talent paved the way for a successful career.

She furthered her education at Harvard University, graduating with a degree in Psychology in 2017 while playing college soccer and earning multiple awards.

Purce made her mark in professional soccer after being selected as the ninth overall pick by the Boston Breakers in the 2017 NWSL draft. Her rookie season was impressive, with impactful performances, versatile contributions as a forward and midfielder, and crucial goals showcasing her professional potential.

Following the Boston Breakers’ dissolution, the scoring sensation joined the Portland Thorns F.C. She became a key player with the Thorns, consistently displaying her speed, technical skills, and goal-scoring prowess. Her performances earned her recognition as one of the top players in the NWSL.

Margaret Purce’s talent gained recognition at the international level in 2019 when she debuted for the United States Women’s National Team. As an international player, she has contributed with important goals and assists, showcasing her abilities on the global stage.

Beyond her on-field achievements, Purce has advocated for pay equity in sports and has used her platform to inspire and empower young athletes. Her dedication to positively impacting both on and off the field has further solidified her status as a role model in women’s football.

Appreciation Note:

Thank you for reading Margaret Purce’s Biography. We care about fairness and accuracy in the constant routine of delivering female American soccer stories.

Margaret Purce’s Bio is part of our collection of American football stories. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via comments if you notice anything that needs to be corrected in this memoir of the scoring sensation.

Also, kindly tell us what you think about the career of the Forward, who, like Rose Lavelle, is a top player for club and country. Aside from Margaret Purce’s Bio, we’ve got other great Childhood Stories for your reading pleasure. In fact, the Life History of Catarina Macario and Beverly Priestman will interest you.