Things are opening up in Texas, but, for example, in New Jersey they’re still under shelter in place. What do you think that means for the league?
Yeah, Chicago’s in the same boat. Portland, Seattle, they’re all still under stay at home orders. I mean, it’s going to take a long time. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I can’t predict the future, because no one really knows. But, again, I think the league is doing all they can for us as players to give us the resources that we need to stay ready, and stay prepared for whenever this is over. I feel very thankful to be able to be a step ahead, but I think it’s just going to take time for the league to come together.
Do you think a May 16th start for preseason is realistic or ambitious?
I think it’s pretty ambitious, I’m not going to lie. They leave a huge window, though, for the preseason start date. That’s been a big improvement for the NWSL. In the past they’ve been quick to say, “This is the date, this is what’s going to happen.” And then, you have that expectation and then you’re let down when it doesn’t. I think this time going around, they’ve been very cautious of that. There’s a giant window for an actual start date. May 16th is there and that’s the goal, but we obviously know that things can change and it’s not just about us. It’s about our country and about making sure that everything is safe. It’s not just our specific city.
How have you mentally dealt with all the uncertainty? You’ve basically been asked to stay ready for weeks on end training by yourself, even though there’s still a chance the season won’t happen. That can’t be fun.
Honestly, I see it two ways. I mean, yes, it does suck big time. We were all in top shape, ready to go for preseason. I was finally ramped up, all the way ready, had the first week of preseason under my belt, and then quarantine started. And that’s been its own journey. But I’m good, honestly. I’ve stayed busy. Like a lot of people, during that first week I was kind of intrigued, like, this is new, I get to stay home and just kind of chill. Then week two goes by and it’s like, “Wow, this is real. We’re going to be here for a bit.” Then after those two weeks I gave myself a bit of rest and settled into a routine. I’m just treating this as a new normal and trying to make the most of it, trying to see the positive in each day. I work with Athletes for Hope, which is a nonprofit, and have been spending a lot of my time doing that.
These workouts have also kept me sane and motivated. Yes, the situation sucks, but having these workouts during the day means I have something to look forward to because I know that I’m making myself better. And knowing that your teammates are also doing it and that we’re in it together helps a lot. It’s really hard to stay fit and stay ready, and to go through all these ups and downs, but to know that you’re not the only one is definitely helpful.
There’s talk that the NWSL could be the first league back. What are your thoughts on that?
I’m very hopeful. I’m not going to lie. I’m hesitant to say for sure that our league will have a season, but I think that if we do what we need to do, not only within our league, but as a country, I think we can rally and bring this together. I know that all of the girls in the league, not just myself, not just the Dash, are going to be extremely excited whenever any kind of soccer opens up. It’s going to be extremely competitive, just because of how long we’ve waited. We’re ramping up and if you release us, we’ll be ready.