US women's soccer stars give inspirational advice to young girls
The players of the U.S. Women’s National Team are more than just World Champion, they’re also inspirations.
The athletes that make up the team have always been vocal about inspiring the next generation, and now they’re passing on their wisdom to young girls everywhere.
U.S. Women’s National Team co-captain and winner of the Golden Boot and Golden Ball, Megan Rapinoe, said now that girls can dream it, it’s time to get out there and go for it.
“I think by now you know that you can dream it,” Rapinoe said. “But make it possible. Go for your dreams. You’ve got this.”
While Rapinoe urges young women to go out and make their dreams a reality, five of Rapinoe's incredible teammates had other inspirational messages to share with young women everywhere.
Julie Ertz
“Embrace the opportunity.”
Ertz, a two-time World Champion, said her college coach instilled this phrase in her. Now, she hopes to pass it on to the next generation.
“When your opportunity comes and you embrace it full-heartedly, it’s so worthwhile,” Ertz said.
Carli Lloyd
“Always believe in yourself.”
Two-time World Champion Carli Lloyd said having faith in yourself is key, but that’s not the only thing that will make you successful.
“You have to work extremely hard every single day,” Lloyd says. “You have to make sure you’re competing against yourself.”
However, her message isn't all work and no fun.
“You have to make sure you enjoy it as well,” Lloyd said.
Rose Lavelle
Rose Lavelle became the second-youngest American to score in a World Cup final with her clutch goal to bring the score to 2-0 against the Netherlands.
Lavelle told “GMA” that she doesn’t like to call the moment a “dream.”
“It’s kind of something you’ve always envisioned yourself doing, so I never like to call it a dream, because it was something I really felt would be a reality someday,” she said.
Her advice to the younger generation falls right along those lines.
“For any young player who watched this tournament, don’t doubt for one second that this could be you one day,” Lavelle said.
Christen Press
Christen Press stepped up in a big way when she subbed in for an injured Rapinoe in the semifinal against London, and scored within the first 10 minutes of the game.
Press, a two-time World Champion, says she owes a lot of success to the people around her.
“I’m super lucky to play around some of the most inspirational women in the world,” Press said.
For the younger generation, Press urges them to turn to the inspirational women in their life to give them the motivation they need.
“Look around you at your sisters, your mothers, your teammates, your friends -- the beautiful women that surround you and uplift you -- and call on them when you need to dig deep and get that little bit of extra effort to get where you want to be,” Press said.
Alexandra Long
“Whatever you want to do in life, you can make it happen.”
Alexandra Long, a midfielder who took home her first World Championship, tells the younger generation to keep dreaming.
“Dream big, work hard, do whatever you have to do,” Long said.
With hard work, big dreams and a great support system, the U.S. Women’s National team was able to turn their greatest aspirations into a reality.
Your move, next generation!
