{"id":26374,"date":"2015-06-09T14:15:05","date_gmt":"2015-06-09T18:15:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/?p=26374"},"modified":"2021-05-18T07:59:20","modified_gmt":"2021-05-18T11:59:20","slug":"abby-wambach-world-cup-soccer-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/fitness\/abby-wambach-world-cup-soccer-interview\/","title":{"rendered":"Abby Wambach’s Interview: 13 Seasons, 182 Goals, 1 World Cup in Sight"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Abby
Photo: AbbyWambach.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

She may be one of the most composed, yet toughest players to ever step foot on the soccer field. Yes, we\u2019re talking about pro soccer player, one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People<\/a>, and highest all-time goal scorer internationally among both men and women, Abby Wambach. She has played with the likes of Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy and Brandi Chastain \u2014 winners of the infamous 1999 World Cup \u2014 and more recently Alex Morgan and Hope Solo, whom she hopes to take home the title with in 2015. We chatted with her in March 2014 about being a leader to her younger teammates, expectations for the upcoming World Cup, and what hot drink she needs to have before every game.<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> Train Like a Pro With This World Cup Soccer Workout<\/a><\/p>\n

You\u2019ve been on the U.S. National Team since 2003. How have you seen the team evolve over that time?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve only ever had my own experience, so I can just speak to that. But our coaches have changed, along with the systems they want to run. And I\u2019ve realized the older you get, the more you have to worry about being a leader and putting people in an environment to be successful. When I was younger I didn\u2019t realize how important that was and how important those leaders are. I\u2019m now very humbled and honored that I\u2019m learning to be a better leader.<\/p>\n

When all else fails, you rely on each other. That\u2019s the only way you can have a championship team.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

How else have you changed as a person and as a player in the past 12 years?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve matured a lot. I was just this young kid when I got on the team and I wasn\u2019t quite sure of or confident in my skills. That\u2019s a major difference compared to now. Statistically, over the course of time, you become more successful and learn to gain that confidence.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, I\u2019m also older. So it\u2019s more difficult to get fit than it used to be, and to stay agile<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What is it like now being on the team with a lot of younger players? What have they taught you?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Well, they teach me how to dance better. They also teach me about new music \u2014 like the Justin Biebers and Katy Perrys of the world. Hey, if it keeps you young at heart\u2026! I\u2019m pretty silly and I like to goof off and have a good time when we\u2019re not playing, so it\u2019s good to have some younger kids who like to play pranks and have fun. They\u2019ve taught me a lot about leadership stuff \u2014 not just the game.<\/p>\n

What kind of bond do you form when you\u2019re with with the same people for so long?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

When you spend so much time together, especially on the road, in hotels, and meal rooms at hotels, you become like a family in a lot of ways. And I say that because with families, sometimes you don\u2019t always like your brothers and sisters. You fight, things get taken out of context, stuff is mistranslated.. But when all else fails, you rely on each other. That\u2019s the only way you can have a championship team.<\/p>\n

I think of myself as a person who shows up in big moments and big games, and that comes from the people around me \u2014 I need good people. And that goes for all of life, too, not just soccer.<\/p>\n

You hold the record for the highest all-time goal scorer for the national team and the <\/i><\/b>world record for international goals<\/i><\/b><\/a> for both female and male soccer players. What does that even feel like, knowing you have that accomplishment under your belt?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n