" If I couldn’t get to the national team, I wanted to get as much as I could out of soccer, and I think moving abroad was my opportunity to do that. I think that, in turn, playing with that freedom and that spirit allowed me to play a lot better. I escalated my game quickly just by being happy. "
- Christen Press

The speaker expresses her determination to make the most out of her soccer career even when faced with the possibility of not making it onto the national team. She saw moving abroad as a chance to enhance her game by playing freely and passionately, which ultimately led to rapid improvement in her performance due to an increase in happiness.

Beyond its literal meaning, this quote highlights the profound impact that personal freedom and joy can have on one's abilities and achievements. The speaker suggests that when individuals are given the space to express themselves without constraints, they tend to perform better because their creativity and enthusiasm flourish. This idea extends beyond soccer into various aspects of life where people often thrive more in environments that allow for self-expression and personal satisfaction rather than those that impose rigid expectations or limitations.

Christen Press is a prominent figure in women's soccer who has made significant contributions both on the field and as an advocate for gender equality in sports. Her career includes playing for top-tier clubs internationally, representing her country at high levels, and inspiring other athletes through her dedication to the sport and her personal growth.