Many USWNT players joined the 2019 World Cup with one ambition: to reclaim the world cup trophy they had won in the 2015 World Cup. For others, such as Crystal Dunn, though, they were looking to win it for the first time... And they did.
"It's so funny because, yes, I wasn't a part of the 2015 World Cup roster, but I was there every step of the way," Crystal Dunn told The American Pitch.
"While there was heartbreak because I didn't make that roster, I think it also allowed me to realize, yes, while I wasn't there hoisting up the trophy, in many ways I helped prepare the team to be in that place. I was a part of the journey in some way"
Crystal Dunn was heartbroken, but she turned it into a legendary USWNT effort
It was a surprise to so many USWNT fans when Crystal Dunn was not included in the 2015 World Cup roster. It was one of the most talent-packed national teams the world has ever seen, and Dunn only narrowly missed out. She made the preliminary squad and the world champions' victory tour, but through no fault of her own, wasn't in the winning roster.
That could've broken any player, but not Dunn. She was determined to hoist that trophy herself, and she did. In one of soccer's most deserving stories, Dunn not only won the World Cup in 2019, but she slotted seamlessly into a new position of left-back to solidify all three zones of the field.
"When I fast forward to 2019, being in that locker room at that time, there were so many of these players that I was playing alongside for the four years prior so I felt very at home and comfortable that I was at least amongst so many players that I have relationships and chemistry with."
Crystal Dunn joined a team of players that had already established themselves as USWNT legends. At the point of the 2019 World Cup, it was hard to believe Dunn was playing her first World Cup, as she was up there with the very best in Tobin Heath, Carli Lloyd, Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan.
"I felt like I was in good hands. I was playing with some incredible players in their time; Christen Press, Tobin Heath, Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan... So many amazing players, and I was like 'they're going to do their job, and I just have to do my job.'"
"I just have to feel like I'm entrusted with my role and if I play to the best of my ability, everyone is going to respect me for stepping up to the plate and taking that challenge."
The USWNT is entering a new era, and Emma Hayes has a multitude of younger players to choose from in the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. The Stars and Stripes are not defending the championship, but if there's a time for new heroes, those new heroes will be walking the path that the likes of Olympic Gold Medalist and World Cup winner Crystal Dunn already paved.
Crystal Dunn is in collaboration with Haleon, as they launch their For The Assist campaign. She recently posted to Instagram, holding the signature Tunnel Walk Bag, designed by New York City-based visual artist and designer Andrea Bergart.
On her collaboration with Haleon, Dunn said "The beauty of partnering with Haleon is that they have really supported me in the phase of being an athlete and preparing, recovering for matches. Now, they cater to the needs I have as a mom, an active parent in my son's life, chasing him around and taking him to trainings."
"It's very nice to lean into something that feels very familiar. The brands and the products that they have are Advil, Centrum, Tums, Voltaren. These are brands I was already using as a player, and now I get to lean into these products and essentials as a full-time mom and someone who is navigating this next stage of my life."
From April 1 to August 31, soccer fans can enter for the chance to win a grand prize VIP trip for 4 to a U.S. Soccer match, including flights, accommodations and an exclusive stadium experience. To enter, fans can visit Haleon and follow the instructions to complete and submit the registration form. Winners will be selected monthly.
Add us as a preferred source on Google