This story first appeared on the Local Moms Network.
Crystal Dunn is heading to Paris for her third Olympic Games as part of Team USA’s women’s soccer roster. The Gotham FC star recently turned 32, making her one of the older team members, and she takes her responsibility as a leader seriously. “My role going into this Olympics is that of a veteran player. I’m jumping into a role mentoring younger players, but also making sure I’m ready to make an impact no matter what role is given to me,” says Crystal.
While Crystal competes in Paris, her French husband Pierre Soubrier will stay in the south of France with her son, Marcel (2) and her husband’s family. “They’ll see me on the off days and they’ll be at the games,” shares Crystal.
For this week’s Meet a Mom interview, Crystal Dunn discusses her Paris plans, introducing her son to soccer and more.
Congratulations on making it to your third Olympics and first as a mom! How does motherhood change how you approach these Olympic Games?
I feel like being a mom has changed my life in amazing ways but the hardest part, early on, was getting enough sleep to recover as an athlete. If I fast forward to today, I am more confident in who I am as a result of having Marcel. He’s given me perspective in my life and I am a more well-rounded human being and athlete.
The lack of sleep is so relatable even as a non-athlete! You said in an Instagram post that this has been an amazing year but the most challenging one for you. How so?
I think the biggest challenge was moving my family back to the New York/New Jersey area. We were still getting settled and the season was already starting. I needed a second to get my bearings—luckily I had my parents nearby for an extra set of hands.
Moving with a young family is also something so many of us go through. What else do you think has gotten you to this point?
My son is a huge motivation for me—just for him to see these incredible things I can do as an athlete and as a mom. Hopefully we’re getting to a place where woman can be moms and pursue their career at the highest level. I think the biggest thing, too, is creating your village. I’m a big believer in asking for help.
Speaking of mothers and careers, another professional athlete, Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs, recently came under fire for some negative remarks about working women—did you have any thoughts on that?
Obviously, he has his opinions and made comments based on his opinions and I don’t share those views. We live in a society where people can have different opinions, but I believe woman should have free reign to pursue what they want. For me, pursing motherhood and a career is important, and it’s important for me to show that it’s possible.
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Do you have any teammates who you have bonded with over motherhood?
I’m really close with Allie Krieger. Our sons are at the same preschool and friends through us playing together and we always reach out to each other. As a mom it’s important to to be honest and not just say every day is amazing. It’s not easy and you need support.
Have you introduced Marcel to soccer yet?
We gave him a soccer ball as soon as he was standing, and now he’s starting to kick the ball! We take him to the field and have goals set up in our backyard. It’s a bit early to know if he’ll fall madly in love with the game but we’re slowly but surely introducing the sport to him.
What are your post-Paris plans?
Definitely taking a breather. There is a lot of mental and physical strain from tournaments so it’s important to take a minute to rest and reflect. I believe athletes should take time to take care of themselves.