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The Reckless Child by Mallory Pugh
All my life, to the best of my ability, I’ve just wanted to watch soccer, practice soccer, play soccer — be around soccer.
Things finally started to get serious in 2017, when I found myself with a big decision to make.
I’ll set the scene: I’m 18 years old, and at UCLA on a soccer scholarship. In other words — I’m doing everything you’re supposed to do as a U.S. soccer player. You go to soccer camps, you work hard, you get a college scholarship, and then, after you graduate, you go pro. Simple, right? O.K., maybe not so simple. But that’s the order of things: You start from Point A. And then, if you’re good enough, you get to move to Point B.
Things finally started to get serious in 2017, when I found myself with a big decision to make.
I’ll set the scene: I’m 18 years old, and at UCLA on a soccer scholarship. In other words — I’m doing everything you’re supposed to do as a U.S. soccer player. You go to soccer camps, you work hard, you get a college scholarship, and then, after you graduate, you go pro. Simple, right? O.K., maybe not so simple. But that’s the order of things: You start from Point A. And then, if you’re good enough, you get to move to Point B.
https://www.theplayerstribune.com/en-us/articles/mallory-pugh-united-states-world-cup-reckless-child