Hal Hershfelt has many tattoos across her arms. A 2024 Washington Post profile describes two she has discussed: “Fight the good fight” just below her right wrist and Athena on her left forearm.
The arm tattoos behind Hal Hershfelt’s family story
She has described “Fight the good fight” as a reminder from her mother and grandmother to stand by what she believes. The words sit among branches and blooms just below her right wrist.
Athena appears on her left forearm. Hershfelt has said her mother, a teacher who loves Greek mythology, inspired the tattoo, and she has called it her favorite. In Greek mythology, Athena is associated with wisdom and war.
A steady rise in Washington
Hershfelt grew up in a military family and moved several times as her father was reassigned. After moving from Florida to Georgia in high school to play for Concorde Fire, she tore the ACL and meniscus in her left knee. The Washington Post reported that Clemson coach Eddie Radwanski stayed committed after the injury.
She went on to earn multiple All-ACC honors and helped Clemson reach the first College Cup in program history. Hershfelt earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in criminal justice. During a fifth year of eligibility, she completed a master’s in public administration, specializing in emergency management and homeland security.
Her first professional goal came in Washington’s 2–1 home-opening win over Bay FC on March 23, 2024. The media-day photograph below provides context about her work with the Spirit; it isn’t evidence of a tattoo.
What the photographs can and cannot tell us
Match photos catch her arms in motion and from different distances. Shadows, camera angles and cropping can obscure details. Hershfelt has publicly explained the wrist phrase and Athena, but available reporting doesn’t provide a complete list of her tattoos or identify their artists and dates. Other marks are best left unnamed unless she or a reliable source identifies them.
Why those connections stay close
The designs’ meanings come from relationships Hershfelt has described, not from the symbols alone.
The lasting impression
Hershfelt discussed her rookie season and growing role with Washington in the club’s Spirit Spotlight interview.