There's always room for improvement no matter what.
Ali Krieger
You can control two things: your work ethic and your attitude about anything.
I surround myself with good people who make me feel great and give me positive energy.
Surround yourself with good people; surround yourself with positivity and people who are going to challenge you to make you better.
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.
I can only control myself, my actions, my work ethic, and my attitude.
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.
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.
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.
I feel fortunate to be a part of a football community that includes leaders who recognize the power of sport to make a difference and who, like so many of my coaches, are defined not only by their knowledge but by their ability to bring out the best in every member of their teams.
People ask me, 'What were you thinking during that game-winning penalty kick in the 2011 World Cup?' I was actually thinking absolutely nothing. I just walked up there and was so inspired by my teammates who rocked all their PKs; they just killed it. I figured I might as well do the same, or they might have my neck.
I wish I could score as many goals as I can in 'FIFA.'
You never know when it's going to be your last time to step onto the field.
I always get made fun of by my teammates for my huge calves, but I'm like, 'they make me strong and fast!'
I think it's nice to have a variety of lineups and formations to use against different opponents, depending on what they bring.
There are a few moments in every game when I will have to sprint and use my explosiveness to win.
I try and be super vocal on the field because that's what we need, and that's what I want to do.
My mantra is 'healthy body, healthy mind.'
Being a World Cup winner was a dream come true.
Playing for the Washington Spirit, the 2013 season was one of the most difficult I have ever experienced.
When I was 6 or 7, my gymnastics coach looked at my quads and told the other coach to come over and see my quads. They were big then and still are. But I've kind of embraced it through the years.
I'm proud of my body, I'm proud of my sport, I'm proud of being a female athlete.
When you're at the highest point of your career at the highest level in your sport, any moment that you have these setbacks and injuries is devastating. You have to start back from zero, and you never know if you're going to get back to where you once were.
I love kids, and I really liked the idea of getting involved with something that was all about giving kids the opportunity to walk, run, or maybe even play soccer someday.
It doesn't matter: any weight, shape or form or however your body is, you want to be proud of it.
Try not to completely change your diet just because you read it somewhere or someone tells you it works for them. Do what is best for your body and don't think that just because everyone else is doing it that it will work for you. Know what fuels your body to be at its best, and enjoy the little things! Indulge! Cupcakes and cookies.
I cherish the relationships and friendships I have with the people in my life and take every opportunity I have to make time for them.
When I was 6 years old, I played on a coed indoor team. We were called the Cosmos. And then, after that, when I was 7, I played on an all-girls club team.
I'm proud of my thighs because they've gotten me to where I am today and give me the power that I have to play my best.
Germany is where I had to become a true professional. They play in big games when they are young. We could model some of our soccer system after what they do.
I drink coffee 30 minutes before I want to nap. I think that really helps.
As an athlete in my sport, you always want to go to an Olympics.
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.
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.
My dad has been my coach since I was seven years old - from 7 to 18 is when he coached my club team - and so it was always in the family. He introduced me to soccer at a young age and also kind of molded me into a good player at a young age, too. Which then I grew to love the game and be as passionate as he was.
This is something I've dreamed of for a long, long time - to play in a World Cup.
I love my legs because they make me powerful and they make me feel strong. They've held up ever since I was young and have helped me get where I am today and be this successful.
In college, girls would come up to me: 'I want your calves.' It just makes me laugh. I guess people pay a lot of money to have the types of bodies athletes have.
I have to win, even if I'm just playing ping pong.
I am super close with my brother. He is my ultimate role model. Growing up and having a family break apart, you know, when my parents divorced and things like that, it was a struggle, and all we had was each other at the time.
In 2005, I would have never guessed that I was at risk for a pulmonary embolism. I was 21 years-old, playing college soccer and just living the dream.
I do believe that everything happens for a reason.
On game days, I'm pretty boring: I like to rest and watch TV with my legs up so I'm not on my feet too much before the match.
My 20s were really tough, just traveling and living in different countries, and now I feel like I know what I want from life.
I always need a little something sweet after dinner. Although I try to stay pretty disciplined with my nutrition when I'm in season - my brother Kyle eats super clean and always gives me nutrition advice - when I want something, I have it because I feel like you can really get in trouble if you restrict yourself too much.
I usually have three fried eggs every morning. It always has to be three: two is just not enough, and three won't put me over edge.
In order for me to perform the best I can out on the field, I have to fuel my body with the proper nutrients to be able to do all the running. I'm running four or five miles every game, so it's a lot. Even at halftime, I take electrolytes and have half a peanut-butter-and-jelly or whatever is sitting there just to keep my engine running.
I'm grateful that I got a good education and to have all the people I have around me.
I'm super active, so sitting on the couch and staring at the walls isn't ideal for me.
