Spilger Seeing Green

Chicago Red Stars defender Natalie Spilger protects more than just the goal...she also is a defender of the environment.

Spilger who grew up in the suburbs of San Diego was selected as the 2nd draft pick (16th overall) by WPS's Chicago Red Stars. Spilger, who previously co-captained the Stanford University women's team and played internationally in Sweeden, earned her Masters degree in Construction Engineering Management and her Bachelors' in Civil and Environmental Engineering.

While attending the 2007 GreenBuild Expo in Chicago, Spilger was inspired by speaker Paul Hawken (an environmentalist, author and entrepeneur) to make the green movement "cool and sexy", and to unify all those who cared for the planet. Out of that desire, Spilger created GreenLaces, an organization that "supports earth-friendly causes and provides a solution for a better planet through a simple promise and a pair of green laces."

Spilger asks, through her organization, that everyone make one promise to the earth. GreenLaces asks you to imagine what the world would look like if everyone changed just one thing. Take for example Spilger's promise:

"I, Natalie Spilger, promise to never purchase a non-re-usable plastic water bottle, unless in an emergency situation." - GreenLaces.org

GreenLaces has already garnered support from WPS athletes like Brandi Chastain (who is also on the Board of Directors), Hope Solo and Heather O'Reilly. Spilger has also, just recently, been featured in Chicago Athlete as its 2009 Green Athlete of the Year.

Interested in hearing Natalie Spilger tweet from the sidelines at her first game in a Red Star's jersey this Saturday? Click here!