My First Love

I was 5 years old the first time I stepped onto a soccer field. I'm not sure if it was the smell of fresh-cut grass, the sweet taste of oranges at halftime, or the touch of the ball against my laces, but I knew that day that I was in love with soccer... and would be forever.

It has been a love affair with its share of ups and downs. Some of my most cherished memories have been with a ball at my feet, but at the same time, so have some of my biggest heartaches.

I have been able to travel the world because of soccer. I have developed life-long friendships with teammates and coaches. And one of the most important things Ive learned from the game is that I can keep going long after I can't -- a life lesson that pushes me to new levels with every step I take.

The game has introduced me to the strongest group of female athletes in the history of sports : Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy, Brandi Chastain, Joy Fawcett and Kristine Lily. These women, my childhood heroes, fought for equal rights for women in athletics. They fought for a game they loved. And because of them, I, along with so many other girls, got the opportunity to fall in love with the world's favorite game.

Over the last few years I watched their women's professional league form, then fail, then rise up again from the ashes into a new league, Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) which launches this month. I have watched the Women's National Team (WNT) dominate the world, and also have seen it at its worst (both on and off the field) in 2007.

Women's soccer, no matter how many times it falls, always seems to rise up even stronger. It is a testament to the heart and soul of its players and to those who support it. Those who play and follow women's soccer are some of the most passionate people you will ever meet.

For the past 20+ years I have played many roles in the world's favorite game -- player, coach and fan. And as I'm sure you can imagine, the game looks very different from the sidelines. So, as a lifelong friend of the sport, I will share my opinions on the state of women's soccer in the US --- its players, its leagues, its management and of course, its fans.

Hope you enjoy!!!