Introduction:
Women’s soccer has been gaining traction and popularity in recent years, and Abby Dahlkemper is one of the rising stars in this field. Her journey to success is fascinating and full of hard work, determination, and passion for the sport. From playing soccer as a little girl to becoming a professional player on the US Women’s National Team, Abby’s story is inspiring for young girls and aspiring athletes everywhere. Let’s take a closer look at her journey in this blog post.
Abby’s Early Soccer Beginnings:
Abby Dahlkemper was born on May 13th, 1993, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She had a passion for soccer from a young age and started playing when she was about four years old. Abby played on co-ed teams as a child but eventually transitioned to playing on all-girls teams. She played for various youth clubs in Pennsylvania until she became part of the prestigious ECNL program in high school.
College Years:
Abby attended UCLA, where she played soccer for the Bruins. She was a standout player during her four years at UCLA and helped lead the team to the NCAA quarter-finals in her senior year. During her time at UCLA, Abby won the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award twice and the Senior CLASS Award in her final year.
Professional Soccer:
In 2015, Abby was drafted by the Western New York Flash in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and played for the team for two seasons before being traded to the North Carolina Courage in 2017. Abby has been a key player for the Courage and helped them win the NWSL Shield in 2017 and 2018. She has been a consistent and reliable defender throughout her professional career.
International Success with the US Women’s National Team:
Abby’s success on the field caught the eye of the US Women’s National Team coaches, and she made her debut in 2016. She has since become a regular player for the team and helped them win the 2019 Women’s World Cup. Abby was a key player in the tournament, playing in every game and helping the team keep a record-breaking five clean sheets.
Training and Fitness:
To become a successful soccer player like Abby, training and fitness are crucial. Abby believes in working on her skills every day, whether it’s passing, shooting, or defending. She also focuses on her physical fitness and follows a strict workout routine that includes strength training, cardio, and agility drills. This dedication to her craft has contributed to her success on the field.
FAQs:
Q: How did Abby Dahlkemper get into soccer?
A: Abby started playing soccer when she was four years old and fell in love with the sport.
Q: What teams has Abby Dahlkemper played for?
A: Abby has played for Western New York Flash and North Carolina Courage in the NWSL.
Q: Has Abby Dahlkemper won any awards?
A: Yes, Abby has won the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award twice, the Senior CLASS Award, and helped win the 2019 Women’s World Cup with the US Women’s National Team.
Q: How did Abby Dahlkemper get selected for the US Women’s National Team?
A: Abby’s success on the field with the Western New York Flash and North Carolina Courage caught the eye of the US Women’s National Team coaches, leading to her debut in 2016.
Q: What is Abby Dahlkemper’s workout routine?
A: Abby follows a strict workout routine that includes strength training, cardio, and agility drills.
Q: What position does Abby Dahlkemper play?
A: Abby is a center back defender.
Q: What advice does Abby Dahlkemper give to aspiring soccer players?
A: Abby emphasizes the importance of being passionate about the sport, working hard every day, and believing in yourself.
Conclusion:
Abby Dahlkemper’s journey to success is a testament to her love for the sport and dedication to her craft. From playing as a little girl to becoming a key player on the US Women’s National Team, Abby has worked hard every step of the way to achieve her dreams. Her commitment to training, fitness, and teamwork has led to her success on and off the field. Aspiring young girls and athletes can learn a lot from Abby’s story and strive to reach their own goals with a similar work ethic and passion.