Christen Press stopped by the “Time 100 Talks” ahead of the Olympics to discuss the USWNT’s equal-pay lawsuit, growing the game and the upcoming Tokyo Games.
On equal pay:
“As an athlete, we are given an opportunity to make change,” said Press. The USWNT veteran tells Time that the squad is fighting not only for themselves but for broader change for women everywhere. “This team will never stop fighting for gender equality until every single woman is paid and treated equally.”
On growing the NWSL:
When asked about Angel City FC’s mostly female ownership group, Press called the NWSL expansion team “an exciting develop.”
“All the other ownership groups are predominately men,” said Press, adding, “This is just a huge opportunity for women to have a leadership role and really be able to help push this league into something brilliant and sustainable.”
On the Olympics:
Press says “it was devastating” when the 2020 Games were initially postponed due to the COVID-19 crisis.
“If I go back to March of 2020, the team was in a great place, I, personally felt like I was in a really good place.”
Taking six months off from team play was something Press said she hadn’t done in her entire life. “It took a lot of individual responsibility and accountability for me to get to training.”
With the Games set to go forward, Press says to expect the USWNT to bring home the gold.
“The expectation for us is to go in and win.”
Tune in: the USWNT will kick off their gold-medal run when they face Sweden on July 21 at 4:30 a.m. ET.
