Ex-Notre Dame Fighting Irish star still feeling harsh glow of spotlight

Being a former Notre Dame Fighting Irish star can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, as an athlete you’re getting the best education money can buy and you’re playing against some of the toughest competition in the country.

On the other hand, coming through the Notre Dame Fighting Irish system will put a spotlight on you. Especially if you happen to be a world class soccer star such as Korbin Albert. Albert has an especially bright spotlight on her because of her time in South Bend and because her talent has taken her all the way to the Women’s International Soccer Team. She also has a bright light shining on her because she hasn’t exactly been smart about her social media habits.

Albert came under fire a few weeks ago when women’s soccer great Megan Rapinoe put her on blast. At issue was Albert liking and sharing social media posts that are viewed as bigoted against LBGTQ+ and trans advocates. But it was one post that celebrated Rapinoe getting injured in her final match that drew Rapinoe and other National Women’s Team members that saw people express anger at the former Notre Dame Fighting Irish star. 

Notre Dame Fighting Irish star still under fire

Albert did issue an apology, though she did so through Instagram stories. These posts disappear after 24 hours. Some believe that was intentional. Those who support her who are also vehemently anti-LGBTQ+ may not even know she apologized at all.

Meanwhile, there are still likes and shares out there.

As Yahoo Henry Bushnell recently wrote, “does she believe that homosexuality is a sin? Does she believe that gender affirmation is shameful? Or does she believe that everyone should embrace, and be embraced for, who they are and what they feel?”

Bushnell believes that because the former Notre Dame Fighting Irish star didn’t step to the mic and issue an apology, she needs to answer those questions. Some of her teammates have hinted they believe she needs to be more forthcoming as well.

Bushnell added that he doesn’t expect this to be done right away.

“Though that certainly would’ve helped. She is a young adult with a busy transatlantic life, and learning takes time. But she has to do it, vulnerably and authentically.”

Until Korbin Albert does come forward and remove the guessing about where she stands, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish soccer star, the player who was good enough to leave South Bend after just one year, is going to continue to come under fire.