Q: As a Big Ten Tournament champ and winner of the NWSL Challenge Cup, what can you say about this time in women’s soccer?

A: This is an incredibly exciting time to be in the women’s game. It’s a testament to all of the women who’ve come before us and blazed the trail for us younger players. There’s an exciting buzz around the women’s game right now, it’s getting the attention and recognition it deserves, and there’s some amazing talent around the NWSL and across the world that is making women’s soccer so fun to watch and be a part of!

Q: You’ve overcome injuries in your career and succeeded at the highest levels of women’s soccer. What advice would you give to young players coming up about overcoming adversity?

A: Unfortunately, injuries and adversity are a very real part of the game. I’m blessed to have had an excellent support system in place around me that helped carry me through those difficult moments. I’ve also leaned on my faith in both the good times and the bad, and trust in God’s timing and plan for me. The advice I’d give to younger players is to hold onto the joy of playing and find a “why” that is meaningful to you to come back to when things get tough. Lean into your relationships with teammates, friends, or mentors to remind you of that “why”, even when you don’t feel like it!

Q: Are there particular payers and leagues in women’s sports that you are excited about watching that others should be too?

A: I may be a little bit biased, but I think the NWSL is the most exciting league in the world right now. It is competitive from top to bottom and any team can win on any given day. The style of play is evolving to produce some more free-flowing, creative soccer moments that are beautiful to watch. You have your superstars in the likes of Trinity Rodman, Barbara Banda, or Delphine Cascarino who bring the flare and excitement into every game they’re a part of.