Christen Press Shares Insights into Her Challenging Journey to the USWNT

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Christen Press made her mark on the US Women’s National Team with her stellar international career that featured 155 caps, 64 goals scored and 43 assisted as well as participation in two World Cup tournaments. However, many are unaware of Christen’s long journey characterized by perseverance and hard work which resulted in such incredible accolades.

“Most top players were part of youth setups when she was playing at high school and college,” Press stated during an emotional conversation on The Women’s Game podcast. However, unlike her counterparts who more easily transitioned through youth national teams to national team level, Press’ journey towards national team membership proved more complex and trying.

Press often found herself questioning what more she needed to do to gain recognition and an invitation to join the youth national teams. This ongoing uncertainty tested her resolve and at times significantly impacted her confidence. “The process made me feel very much like an outsider, trying to break into a well-established circle,” she admitted. Looking back, Press recognizes the advantage that being part of the national team pipeline offers in terms of development, training, and exposure.

Press’ journey was vastly different than most of her peers’; at times she felt lost or isolated from society at large; yet, this struggle helped shape her into the resilient player recognized by fans and peers alike as one of her peers: “For much of my early career I truly felt like an outsider trying to find her place”, according to Press herself.

This story not only highlights Press’s remarkable accomplishments but also illustrates the varied paths athletes follow to fulfill their dreams. Her story serves as an inspiring testament of resilience needed to succeed at professional athletic levels despite obstacles encountered along the way.