Becky Sauerbrunn’s journey in soccer has evolved significantly since she began playing at 14, marking a pivotal moment that shaped her identity as a player. After nearly two-thirds of her life devoted to soccer, the 39-year-old retired in December, leaving a massive impact on the sport, particularly as one of the best defenders in the history of the U.S. women’s national team.
Transitioning to life after soccer has not been without its challenges. Sauerbrunn described the shift as a change of pace, one she is enjoying. “It’s different, but I have been staying busy enough while still getting some really good quality downtime,” she said. For the first time in decades, she enjoys the freedom to make spontaneous choices, whether it’s taking trips, attending weddings, or having girls’ weekends. These are all experiences she felt she had missed during her intensive soccer career, where training and competition dictated her activities.
This period of reflection has also given her time to consider her legacy within the game. In her career, Sauerbrunn played 219 games for the national team, ranking her among the top players in the program’s history. Her accolades include participating in three World Cups and three Olympics, culminating in a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics and championships in the 2015 and 2019 Women’s World Cups. The emotional weight of her farewell will be felt as she is honored during an upcoming match against Jamaica, an event she plans to attend as a commentator.
Her new role in sports broadcasting came naturally to her after the transition. Sauerbrunn had already engaged in a training program for sports communication through the U.S. women’s national team players association, preparing her for life beyond the pitch. Moreover, she has been hosting a podcast, “The Women’s Game,” wherein she recently announced her pregnancy, indicating that life after soccer continues to intertwine with her experiences in the sport.
Despite the excitement of new opportunities, she admits that certain elements of soccer are irreplaceable. “I miss the training, just being around the players, the synergy we created on the field. There’s a certain sense of achievement that only comes from competing and working hard together,” she said. This longing for connection and competition pushed her to find meaning and fulfillment in other areas of her life, exploring what can provide that same rush of accomplishment outside the sport she devoted her life to.
The unexpected foot injury that sidelined her from the 2023 Women’s World Cup became a profound moment of introspection. She shared that she wasn’t sure how much longer she could keep playing and didn’t want her retirement to come under unfavorable circumstances. “I wanted to leave something in the tank,” she remarked, a sentiment shared by many athletes who often battle the urge to continue playing despite the physical costs.
Staying involved in soccer as a commentator allows her to keep her connections within the sport alive while navigating the complexities of life as a retiree. “I feel very underqualified to do most things in the workforce because all I’ve ever done is play soccer,” she candidly mentioned.
Sauerbrunn’s journey encapsulates what many athletes face in their post-career lives. The sports world can sometimes feel like a limited environment, and athletes like her have demonstrated the importance of evolving beyond their athletic identities. As she forges ahead with her new endeavors, it will be intriguing to see how she utilizes her extensive experience in soccer to inspire future generations.
In conclusion, Becky Sauerbrunn’s transition from soccer player to commentator highlights the multifaceted life of an athlete. While she embraces the everyday joys and unexpected challenges of life after soccer, her legacy in the sport will undoubtedly continue to inspire. As she pivots into this new chapter, she fondly looks back on her career while aiming to create lasting impacts both on and off the field. Ultimately, her story serves as a reminder that life after soccer can still be filled with purpose and passion, even if it looks different than before.
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