Christie Pearce Opens Up About ‘Toxic’ Marriage in Rare Comments

Former U.S. women’s national soccer team captain, Christie Pearce, candidly discussed her tumultuous marriage during an episode of the reality series Special Forces. In the show that aired on October 30, 2023, Pearce revealed the struggles she faced in her relationship with ex-husband Chris Rampone.

Christie Pearce on Toxic Marriage

During the episode, the 50-year-old athlete admitted to staying in her “toxic” marriage longer than she should have. Pearce expressed regret over her efforts to heal the relationship, acknowledging that it was beyond repair. “I stayed a little bit longer than I should have trying to heal it,” she stated. “But it wasn’t going to get healed.”

Challenges of Motherhood and Career

Christie Pearce also shared her experiences as a mother and a professional athlete. She has two daughters, Rylie, 21, and Reece, 16, and mentioned that she wanted to balance motherhood with her soccer career. “I was back on the field three months after pregnancy. I wanted to be a mom and have a career,” she explained. Pearce noted that her husband was often absent as she traveled for her job, which added to her feelings of exhaustion and disappointment.

The Reality of Leaving a Toxic Relationship

Describing her marital struggles, Pearce stated that being in a disconnected relationship led to loss of emotional intimacy. “You’re in a marriage that you’re not together, so I think you lose your feelings,” she remarked. Admitting her marriage was toxic was the hardest truth to face. “It’s the toughest thing I experienced,” she confessed. “I was embarrassed about trying to project a happy image.” Despite her strong public persona, she struggled to leave a failing marriage.

A New Chapter

After retiring from soccer, Pearce realized the marriage wouldn’t work. She cited the divorce as “extremely ugly,” adding that it hindered her ability to find happiness. Her participation in Special Forces was aimed at regaining her confidence and moving forward in life. “Joining this show has been a way to gain confidence,” she said. The show challenges contestants with military-style training to push their limits and foster personal growth.

About Special Forces

• Premiere Date: 2023
• Network: Fox
• Type: Reality Series
• Format: Military-style challenges based on actual selection processes

Alongside her, the season 4 cast includes Kody Brown, Brianna LaPaglia, Andrew East, Shawn Johnson East, Randall Cobb, and Gia Giudice, all aiming to test their physical and emotional perseverance.

Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on Fox. After the intense experience, Pearce reflected on the simple pleasures of home, stating, “Having a nice cup of coffee was nice when I got home.”