Ashlyn Harris says Sophia Bush healed her heartbreak: “She sees my pain as a superpower”

Ashlyn Harris has opened up about the powerful love and support she receives from her girlfriend, actress Sophia Bush. Speaking on the Second Wind Podcast, the 39-year-old former USWNT star revealed how Bush, 42, has played a crucial role in her healing journey following her difficult 2023 split from ex-wife Ali Krieger, with whom she shares two children, daughter Sloane, 4, and son Ocean, 2.
Harris shared how Bush has made her feel in a way she never thought possible. “What I love so much about her is she makes me feel the way I only thought we read about in books,” Harris said. “She holds up a mirror and makes me feel like I'm the best human, I'm the best mother, and it's exactly what I needed and what I need to heal so much pain and trauma and grief in my life.”
Reflecting on her experience as a mother, Harris continued, “I think as a mom, we all can sit here and say, we always think we're failing … I made a promise that my kids wouldn't feel the same kind of pain that I did as a kid and I put a lot of pressure on myself, and she's just like, you are the best mom. I just have never seen someone move and act the way you do.”
Harris also acknowledged that their relationship began during a time of personal upheaval. “And it's this type of reassurance that she came into my life when I was an open wound and she's so selfless and such a beautiful person that even in the hardest season of her life, she wants to help me heal, which is something I'll never forget,” Harris explained, likely referring to Bush’s own difficult divorce from entrepreneur Grant Hughes in August 2023.
The former athlete emphasized how the right relationship can help with healing, saying, “I think it's impossible for us to work so much on ourselves and heal all of the trauma and pain we've experienced, but when you meet the right person, they won't weaponize that against you. They meet you.”
Describing their connection further, Harris said that Bush’s unwavering support during tough times has made a significant impact. “I felt like she just sat with me in the pain and was like, okay, well just when you're ready to walk through it, I'll be right here with you and it's such a selfless act of kindness and understanding.”
Harris also shared how Bush views her scars and past experiences as strengths. “I met the most incredible human in the world who doesn't see my pain and scars as an issue. She sees it as a superpower, and she's showing and teaching me every day to use it in such a way that heals and helps other people, that I have an incredible gift to be not only a parent, but the way I show up for people.”
Concluding her remarks, Harris said, “She's just made my life so much richer. I don't even know how to express it or articulate it.”
Bush, in turn, has also expressed her deep affection for Harris. In an Instagram post for Harris’s birthday in October, Bush referred to her as “the sun, in human form,” writing, “You light up the world and warm each and every person you touch. There is no one like you, and everyone who knows you knows it’s true. We are all so lucky. And I am the absolute luckiest. First of many together (You better live forever, woman, we have adventures to go on!). Happy Birthday baby. I love you with my whole soul.”
Through their public support and genuine connection, Harris and Bush continue to inspire many with their love story, showing how healing and growth can come from the right partnership.