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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Dorsey explains 2023 campaign absence from Gotham FC</li><li>Says it was due to mental health battle</li><li>NWSL CBA allowed her to be successful during absence</li></ul>

‘It is OK to put yourself first’ - Gotham FC star Imani Dorsey opens up on mental health battle and explains stepping back from 2023 NWSL campaign

<p>The 2018 NWSL Rookie of the Year - and one-time USWNT capped player - <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/kristie-mewis-gotham-nwsl-final-ol-reign/blt727c130fb30ddc62" target="_blank">watched Gotham FC lift the 2023 NWSL championship trophy from the bench last weekend</a>, just as she did all campaign. However, it was her choice, with the support of the club, staff and her teammates.</p><p>Dorsey shared via Instagram that during 2023 she stepped back from the game this past Spring due to a mental health battle. Her absence was also supported by the NWSL's collective bargaining agreement that was ratified in 2022; the agreement provides players with up to six months of paid leave to support their mental health.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Czrqq59PfnJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;ig_rid=25b80d8e-153c-47fd-930e-7adad940f4ef" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>The 2022 NWSL CBA was ground-breaking for the league and the respective players who compete in it. For someone like Dorsey, who was in need of mental health support, she was able to rely on both the league and her team over the course of the campaign.</p><p>Over the course of the year, her social media post highlights different things she was able to do as a result of her break, describing it as 'unforgettable memories' and as a result of her choice, she walks away a 'CHAMPION.'</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Her Instagram post reads in full: "My year looked a little different than my teammates. Back in April with the help of my family I made the really hard decision to step back from soccer to focus on my mental health. While I didn’t know where this journey would take me, the time I got to spend with friends and family, exploring aspects of myself I typically had little time or capacity to enjoy, helped me better understand who I am, what I love and what makes me, me - without soccer.</p><p>"When I took a step back in April I didn’t know if I would return, but I am grateful to say my time away helped me rediscover what I love about this sport - competing, being active, and being a part of a team - and am now so excited to continue playing. As grateful as I have always been to play as a pro, it often felt like a burden rather than the privilege and opportunity it most definitely is. I may not have known where I would be come November initially, but I am so happy to see where I have ended up - and how far I have come. I am so grateful to our CBA and all the work put in by players and our PA to advocate for mental health.</p><p>"Thank you to Gotham for supporting me every step of the way and welcoming me back with open arms. And thank you to my family, friends, and everyone who has shown me love and support this year - it is really hard to be vulnerable and with your help I was able to take care of myself in a way I didn’t know I needed.</p><p>"To everyone who is struggling, who doesn’t see an end in sight and doesn’t know what to do - know that it is ok to put yourself first. Lean on the people around you and confide in those you trust. Without my family and my faith, I don’t know where I’d be right now. It is really hard to do, but sometimes it’s ok and it’s the right choice to take a step back. It gave me the perspective and energy and confidence I needed. I would never trade this journey or my decision.</p><p>"Because of it, I walk away from this year a CHAMPION, incredibly proud of who I have become along the way, all the unforgettable memories I have made, and excited for what my future holds."</p>

WHAT DORSEY SAID:

<p>The 27-year-old will now look to prepare for the 2024 campaign with the Bats, where she will hopefully make a return to the pitch. Coming off of <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/uswnt-legend-ali-krieger-winning-nwsl-title-with-gotham-fc-vs-ol-reign/blt0e9bc0cf6f8e25d7" target="_blank">their first-ever NWSL Championship</a>, Gotham has high hopes for 2024 and now, they have the biggest offseason the in the history of their organization.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR DORSEY AND GOTHAM?

‘It is OK to put yourself first’ - Gotham FC star Imani Dorsey opens up on mental health battle and explains stepping back from 2023 NWSL campaign | Goal.com

Gotham FC standout Imani Dorsey explains why she stepped back during the 2023 campaign, highlighting a mental health battle.