“What was living in the bubble like?”
It’s apparently the million-dollar question. I’ve heard it asked in every interview. I’ve read short quotes from several NWSL players trying to explain it in a sentence or two. I’ve received texts, calls, and direct messages from friends, family, and fans near and far. Everyone wants to know what exactly it was like in there.
If I were you, I’d want answers, too. I mean, how could you not? How could you see that the National Women’s Soccer League was able to resume play before any other team sports league in the United States, and not be curious about every single detail? Well, lucky for you guys, I’m not really one for secrets. And double lucky for you guys, Just Women’s Sports provided me with a couple of disposable cameras for the sole purpose of showing you all the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup through my lens.
Let me be the first to admit that, like many of you, I had an infinite number of questions going into the Challenge Cup. Can this really work? Is it too good to be true? What are the chances NO ONE tests positive? Are we sure this is a good idea?
Here’s the thing, though. Most of my worries disappeared the second we entered the hotel in Utah. We were greeted by staff members, showed our dining and living areas, and led to our rooms where the doors were left open and our keys inside. It just felt so professional and prepared from the minute we got there. Afterwards, we went to Zions Bank Academy for COVID-19 testing and saw the facilities for the first time. I was mesmerized by the fields, the views, and the kindness of the NWSL staffers. Even the doctor who performed my COVID test was so sweet that I proceeded to go to her and only her for the next 4 weeks (shout-out line 1, you my girl!!!).
