In 2003, being Virginia Player of the Year was an amazing feeling because I think that was the moment I realized I could actually, really go far in my sport, and I was actually, really good at something. At that moment, I knew that I could play at a high level.
I felt like the Germans were being mean to me at training, but they were actually just trying to help. I learned really quick - which made me a better player. I'm appreciative of the way they treated me. It's just the language and, of course, as an American, I had to learn that. No offense to them; I love them to death, and I love my teammates.
Everyone is an athlete. You want to go hiking, you want to go biking, you want to go jogging or for a walk? You're automatically an athlete.
It's always tough to play against teams that bunker or 'park the bus' inside the 18-yard box, but we always try to focus on our game and how we can overcome the obstacles that the game presents to continue to get better and score goals.
I fuel up every morning, no matter if it's with a shake or a breakfast bar on the go. I eat well, but I have my cheats. I eat cookies, chips, and have a Coke, but only on days that start with S.
The leadership of Christine Rampone goes without saying. She is the definition of a what a leader is.
It is cliched, but you have to beat the best to be the best.
If the spaces open up in the attack, then of course I'm willing to take it because I love to get involved; I love to get crosses in. I love to do combinations and just bring a different aspect to our game.
Personally, I always try to focus on the little things in my game. As a defender and attacking outside back, I continuously work on completing passes, not being too predictable going forward into the attack, good services into the box, good positioning and footwork.
Our daily work ethic - that need to always do better and top our last performance - is what makes USWNT football players who we are.
I have to remember I am a defender first and do my job there first and foremost.
My 20s were really tough, just traveling and living in different countries, and now I feel like I know what I want from life.
In general, taking soccer out of the picture, as an American living overseas, it's so cool, and I've grown so much. Now I can look at my life from a different perspective.
I drink coffee 30 minutes before I want to nap. I think that really helps.
For me, I just set little goals for myself and stay on that kind of track and surround myself with positive people along with my teammates. I just kind of have my goals and my dreams, and this is something that we've all been working for our entire lives, so it is kind of easy to wake up and want to better myself every day towards that goal.
I wish I could score as many goals as I can in 'FIFA.'
There is something quintessentially American about the USWNT. Last-minute, dramatic finishes and technical finesse aside, the spirit of the program reflects a determination and perseverance that resonates with the deeply held belief that with hard work, anything is possible.
I know, firsthand, that soccer brings people together - all it takes is a ball and a few people, and the seeds of friendship are planted.
The World Cup focus is football. Team U.S.A. is more than football.
It's a dream that we, as women footballers, get to play in the same stadium as the men.
