Ali Krieger

“I don't think there's any disappointment in my career because everything that maybe didn't go my way was a learning experience.”

“I have always dreamt of going to an Olympics and watching these incredible athletes and being motivated and inspired to want to be successful in my own sport.”

“I cherish the relationships and friendships I have with the people in my life and take every opportunity I have to make time for them.”

“Our daily work ethic - that need to always do better and top our last performance - is what makes USWNT football players who we are.”

“I was clipped from behind, and my leg got caught between my opponent's legs. As we fell, my leg snapped. It was a spiral fracture. They had to put in a plate and five screws. It was a devastating moment: one minute I was on cloud nine, and then I was out for the season.”

“I surround myself with good people who make me feel great and give me positive energy.”

“Surround yourself with good people; surround yourself with positivity and people who are going to challenge you to make you better.”

“If the spaces open up in the attack, then of course I'm willing to take it because I love to get involved; I love to get crosses in. I love to do combinations and just bring a different aspect to our game.”

“This is something I've dreamed of for a long, long time - to play in a World Cup.”

“I loved Mia Hamm, and I really looked up to Julie Foudy as well, who is one of my mentors.”

“I think it's nice to have a variety of lineups and formations to use against different opponents, depending on what they bring.”

“When I was 6 years old, I played on a coed indoor team. We were called the Cosmos. And then, after that, when I was 7, I played on an all-girls club team.”

“I joke that I only play in World Cups.”

“I feel fortunate to be a part of a football community that includes leaders who recognize the power of sport to make a difference and who, like so many of my coaches, are defined not only by their knowledge but by their ability to bring out the best in every member of their teams.”

“I'm grateful that I got a good education and to have all the people I have around me.”

“In order for me to perform the best I can out on the field, I have to fuel my body with the proper nutrients to be able to do all the running. I'm running four or five miles every game, so it's a lot. Even at halftime, I take electrolytes and have half a peanut-butter-and-jelly or whatever is sitting there just to keep my engine running.”

“I love to do lunges because I don't want my butt to start sagging. I say that to my trainer all the time; he thinks I'm nuts.”

“My mantra is 'healthy body, healthy mind.'”

“I love my legs because they make me powerful and they make me feel strong. They've held up ever since I was young and have helped me get where I am today and be this successful.”

“Just find things you think are fun, and then you'll be more inclined to want to go work out.”