My journey to the World Cup was different than a lot of soccer players nowadays. Growing up, I watched as the U.S. hosted-and won the 1999 women's World Cup.
It drew a huge number of fans and eyes on the tournament, raising soccer to an unprecedented level of recognition in the U.S. It was a pivotal moment for me; soccer could be a global event and a full time job.
But playing in a World Cup wasn't a tangible dream of mine until I was 18 years old, when I got called up to the U.S. under-20 women's national team. I realized I could make the senior national team and play in a World Cup-experience something I'd only ever watched on TV.
I have a 17-year-old teammate at San Diego Wave and she's had a dream to play in a World Cup since she was 12. But that just wasn't the case when I was 12 years old. There was no women's professional league; no real opportunity to be on the World Cup team without luck and big dreams. It felt out of reach.
My First World Cup
For the whole World Cup 2011 tournament, I was overwhelmed trying to understand the tournament, and with emotion. I was wide-eyed and eager to learn. Then, when I stepped on the field for the semifinal game against France, I just felt free.
I didn't have to feel the nerves of the fans around in the stadium or millions of people watching, or the fact that a World Cup was on the line, and that in order to make it to the final, we had to win that game.
All the hard work that you put in, all of the insecurity, all the ups and downs in your career, come down to this moment of enjoying it. So it was a breath of fresh air. I didn't have to try to prove myself-I already had.
How It Feels to Score
This story is from the December 02 - 09, 2022 (Double Issue) edition of Newsweek US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 02 - 09, 2022 (Double Issue) edition of Newsweek US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
An integrated model for water management
Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies has deep expertise and synergistic capabilities across the full water and wastewater value chain
Investments that are transforming life in Saudi Arabia
Abdullah Al Othaim Investment Company is creating distinctive destinations and experiences that encompass multiple sectors
A Kinder and Gentler Nick Cave
After a period of personal upheaval, the famed Bad Seeds singer returns with the vibrant and optimistic 'Wild God'
Fleeing War and Scams
Newsweek spoke to three Ukrainians who have been targeted by \"sponsors\" trying to profit from applicants seeking refuge in the U.S. via a humanitarian scheme
Is 'The Squad' Splintering?
The progressive group of Democrats lost two members in recent primary defeats and its leader is tilting mainstream. What now?
CASH CRUNCH
Leaders, including President Joe Biden, have hailed the strength of the U.S. economy. But middle-class Americans told Newsweek
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor
The reality is most things that I've done, I rarely talk to women on screen. And it gets a little tired.
Nick Jonas
I have a big imagination. I'm very ambitious and want to do it all. And thankfully, I get to.
Tour de Force
One of the best live acts around, Swedish rock titans The Hives talk to Newsweek ahead of their U.S. headline concert dates about opening for Foo Fighters and nearly collaborating with André 3000
Mummy's Dark Secret
Research into the body of a woman buried 3,500 years ago in Egypt may reveal the painful truth behind her facial expression.
