Known as “Captain America” to her teammates, this fifth World Cup for Christie might be her most important yet as she intends to help lead America to its first World Cup title since 1999. She has also represented America in every Olympic Game since 2000 including three gold medals and a silver in four previous Games.
Traveling up to 250 days of the year, Christie’s training and travel schedule has been jam-packed for many years. Her professional accomplishments are even more impressive when you consider that over the past decade, she’s balanced family life, work life and fitness. In fact, Christie not only is the captain of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, but she’s also the only mom on the team (Rylie, 9 and Reece, 4).
As an elite athlete, wife and mother, Christie lives a busy, unique and challenging life. “Between caring for my family, training and traveling, there are really no days off,” she says. Several years ago, she came down with Lyme disease and realized she needed to take better charge of her health and approach it with the same passion she has for being a wife, mother and world-class soccer star.
“At my age and with all that I have on my plate, I need to work harder at staying healthy inside and out,” Christie admits. “I’ve always taken care to eat healthy and to exercise regularly, so, now I learned to focus on my internal health like going to yoga to reduce stress and keeping my immune system strong.
Immune health is not just important for world-class athlete like Christie, but to everyone – especially now as summer turns to fall and the change of seasons plays havoc with our health.
CLICK HERE to read more about her, plus read the Q&A below!
What is balance for you? How do you measure it?
Balance is key for me. The importance of doing my job as a soccer player, a mom and a wife is all predicated on doing them all well. If I am unable to fulfill any of three roles, I end up being unsuccessful at all of them. But when I am able to do all three well, everything falls into place. I feel that getting balance is less about putting a measured amount of time into something but more about making the time you put in count. For example, my workouts now are much shorter than when I was young. But I am so much more efficient and productive because of my experience and knowing how to maximize my time.
What are your top tips for balance?
Concentrate on one thing at a time. Do not take on too much. Be in the present, always. You can only control what you can control. Balance is about perspective. You have to prioritize what's important and what can wait. Don't wear yourself thin, you're only one person. There is a time for your career and there is a time for family. Separate the two and you will find it much more enjoyable.
What's your most memorable moment ever?
Of course the birth of my two children, Rylie and Reece, would certainly be above everything else. I would then have to say so many of those great family moments, traveling the world together. Because we are so busy and travel so much, I truly relish the special times I have spent with my family. We definitely have a higher percentage of quality time than the average family. If you are talking soccer, my best moment would be the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The team endured a difficult World Cup in 2007 and wasn't expected to do well at the Olympics. We overcame the media and negativity. It was my first opportunity as a leader and captain. The team played together! Hopefully we do the same next summer in Canada!
Could you just be a mom? Could you just be an athlete?
I was an athlete before I was a mom. And I may soon find out what it is like being only a mom since my career is drawing to a close. But by doing both I believe that I am setting a great example for my daughters, and hopefully other young women, that you can have it all.
Do your girls play soccer? Do they know how BIG their mom is?
Yes Rylie has been playing for a few years and Reece just started this year. They have traveled with me to soccer events all across the world since they were born, so they were very excited to get started playing. Rylie likes to score and Reece plays defense just like me. They know that mommy playing soccer is much different than most moms, but I am not sure they really understand the magnitude of it. Since they are older now, I really believe that the World Cup will be an eye-opener for them this year.
How do you use EpiCor to stay healthy?
At my age and with all that I have on my plate, I need to work harder at staying healthy inside and out. I’ve always taken care to eat healthy and to exercise regularly. I started taking EpiCor before the Algarve Cup, a major international soccer tournament held in the dead of winter. EpiCor made a big impact on supporting my immune system and helping me stay healthy throughout the trip. Since then, I have become a paid endorser for EpiCor, and I enjoy talking about something that I truly believe works. With my busy life I need to stay healthy and I believe EpiCor is an important element in that. EpiCor is a safe and natural dried fermentate found in a variety of vitamins and supplements that helps support my immune system by strengthening a first and second line of defense, increasing antioxidant power and helping your gut. I eat healthy, stay fit, manages stress and take EpiCor to protect my immune health.
What is your favorite part of being a member of the US Women’s National Soccer team?
I love my teammates and being part of a team, but it is the competition and love of soccer that truly drives me. I love to compete and I love to use the knowledge that I have accumulated over my life to help my team and help grow the sport.
How has being part of a team helped you with interpersonal/family dynamics?
That’s a great question. I guess I would say that a successful family is much like a successful team. People must work together, sacrifice for the benefit of the team and constantly communicate. Our team is much like a family. We may not always all like everything about each other, but we have respect and are willing to do anything to help each other.
Favorite healthy meal when time is short?
Kale, Blueberry, and Pomegranate Salad. Combine the Kale with blueberries, carrots, pomegranate seeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds and mint in a medium bowl and toss. Drizzle with vinaigrette, salt, pepper and toss again.
