Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe have a lot in common on the surface, but the two star athletes couldn’t be more different. The couple’s contrasting approaches, however, are what make them tick, Bird tells Kelley O’Hara on the latest episode of The Players’ Pod.
“Megan has this unflappable confidence to her. It’s just like you can’t really knock her off that,” Bird says. “She just knows who she is and is just, this is what this is.”
Bird says Rapinoe’s confidence has served as an inspiration to her personally and professionally.
“She’s opened my eyes to being true to yourself and living in that space, which is not easy for me. I don’t think it’s easy for a lot of people,” she says. “Doubt always creeps in at certain times.”
Rapinoe’s self-assurance, Bird says, is unwavering in both public and private settings.
“The way that shows up for her … she appears lighter, she’s not carrying all these burdens. So, I’ve really learned a lot from her in just how she presents, and it’s not just the public-facing stuff. What you see is literally what you get,” Bird says.
While Rapinoe has taught Bird to trust her convictions, Bird says she’s also helped the soccer star be more deliberate.
“She’s definitely more emotional … she’s definitely more spontaneous,” Bird says. “I am way more measured … so I think that has crept a little bit into how she approaches things.
“That is the good thing: We are totally different. It’s a very good balance. So, I’ve taken a little bit from her in that way, and she has taken a little bit from me in that way.”
Listen to the full episode of The Players’ Pod for more on Bird and Rapinoe’s relationship.