I've been through a lot of things in my personal and family life. That turned me into a fighter. I always strive to be the best I possibly can.
Hope Solo
I think it's my personality to overcome things, learn from them and become stronger, both personally and professionally. To be honest, I welcome those hardships.
There are so many different walks of life, so many different personalities in the world. And no longer do you have to be a chameleon and try and adapt to that environment - you can truly be yourself.
My life is a beautiful struggle.
One thing I've learned through all the ups and downs is that if you're doing things right, then you have a core group of people. Not just a core group like your homies or your buddies, but a group of people that has a good influence on you, who you respect and admire, and you know that if they're on your side, you're doing something right.
I am proud of who I am, and nobody's going to steal that.
I am pushed by my critics. I don't want to say I want to prove them wrong, but it pushes me on the field to play with a chip on my shoulder, and I play best when I have a chip on my shoulder.
My confidence comes from the daily grind - training my butt off day in and day out.
I take everything with a grain of salt.
I try to live my life one day at a time, and if I look too far in advance, I get really stressed.
I like to read books and be alone; I'm not social butterfly person.
Of course Seattle loves soccer. You can see from the men's Seattle Sounders team.
No one wants to lose, period. It should hurt, it should sting, and you don't want to feel that feeling again.
Every athlete acquires routines as a way to help control nerves.
You're not going to be liked by everybody when you speak the truth. I don't speak the truth to put people down; I don't speak the truth to show disrespect.
When I was younger, I was a complete tomboy. Then in college I started emerging out of the tomboy stage and dressing differently.
A lot of people think I'm naturally confident. I am not naturally confident!
I think every athlete has their window of opportunity, and you just have to jump on it. You never know when it can end. So I'm just trying to live large while I have the opportunity.
Growing up, I felt insecure about my build. I didn't feel very feminine. But as time went on, I learned to completely embrace my body.
I never wanted to go to college in the state of Washington because I was so embarrassed and ashamed of my family life. I wanted to run. That's what always what I do, I run. I run as far away as I can.
I have an attitude. It's what I do. I'm edgy. I have an attitude.
I think the concept of seeking fame and fortune in women's football in the States is a bit idyllic.
I carry my iPod everywhere. My favorite group is the John Butler Trio, an Australian jam band. The lead singer and guitarist writes amazing lyrics.
I've learned that winning isn't everything, and it's more about the journey. But at the end of the day, I just want to stand on the podium with the gold medal.
You know journalists. You know the media. They are going to hang on to anything negative they possibly can.
I like to read books and be alone; I'm not social butterfly person. I'm sorry.
Unfortunately, people think I'm negative and bitter all the time, and that's not the case.
I know I can't dance. I am the worst dancer. I have no rhythm. I just do step-and-snap. I love it in the privacy of my own home and every once in a while at a club. But singing and dancing are my two greatest fears.
My father showed me so much love. He showed my brother so much love.
I'm a nerd at heart.
I travel a lot and rarely make it home to Seattle.
I think the concept of seeking fame and fortune in women's football in the States is a bit idyllic. Look at all the teams in America that have folded, and the leagues.
I never go on Facebook! I like, haven't confirmed anybody to be my friend on Facebook. I have lots of friends; I'm just really bad at Facebook.
I couldn't have been a great goalkeeper without power, agility and quickness.
On a global stage, I have respect in the goalkeeping world.
When the Olympics and World Cups come around, that's when you see the real outpouring of support that there really is for female football.
I have no personal beef with Brandi Chastain. There's nothing personal.
London 2012 is all about winning a medal. Not just any medal, the gold medal.
I'm just going to embrace every experience.
Athletes are extremists. When they're training, it's laser focus.
I hate the cliche of 'just have fun,' but what I've seen in today's sports, especially with parents, is they put so much pressure on the kids.
I love pedicures. And, yes, I have a ton of shoes.
Female athletes are supposed to be toned down. You're always supposed to talk about the team and never stand out.
You're always going to survive the pain of loss. I can live with that confidence inside of me.
My life goes in four-year cycles. The World Cup is every four years and the Olympics are every four years.
I never felt the same passion for the game in the States and there were a lot of headaches, a lot of obstacles to overcome - it didn't just run itself for the love of the game because soccer is not the No. 1 sport as it is in Europe.
I need a life outside of soccer. So I very much welcome, you know, new love interests and dating and friends and family.
I think people who don't have conflict in their lives are just trying to please people and not really living life to the fullest.
I usually tell people I watch like '24' and 'Prison Break.'
I don't just want to focus on soccer, soccer, soccer. You're going to look back 20 years from now and of course you're going to remember the games. But I'm going to remember seeing my family in the stands.
