Becky Sauerbrunn is used to balancing a lot as captain of the USWNT, president of the USWNT Players Association, member of the Athlete Council, ambassador to the US Soccer Foundation and advocate of the BWPC. Throughout her career, the 36-year-old has earned a reputation as a respected leader on and off the pitch.
So how does Sauerbrunn manage it all? She says it all comes down to a sense of responsibility.
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“I would love for there to be a day when we all just show up to camp or just show up to the training facility and we are just soccer players and that’s all we get to focus on,” admits Sauerbrunn on the Snacks podcast with Lynn Williams and Sam Mewis.
The current state of the world, however, doesn’t allow that to happen.
“Whether it’s combating racism or homophobia or transphobia or pay discrimination, there’s just something that we’re always somehow involved in or something that we can use our platform for.”
For Sauerbrunn, getting involved isn’t a burden. Instead, she sees it as an opportunity.
“I feel it’s not an obligation, it’s more like an opportunity and the responsibility to do as much as I can while I can and try to create the most change and try to get everything, everyone to a level where they’re treated fairly,” says Sauerbrunn. “I just feel like I have been gifted this platform and gifted these opportunities.”
In giving so much, Sauerbrunn has also learned over the years that there are times when she also has to take a break.
“I have gotten better at protecting myself,” says Sauerbrunn. “I don’t really say no that much, but when I do, it’s really because I do feel like I’m needing to protect myself a little bit.”
Listen to more from Sauerbrunn on her role as change-maker and as USWNT captain on the latest Snacks podcast.