Build a Foundation
How will you start and keep momentum? What kind of effort does it take to make the national team?
Let me tell you something—making the U.S. Women’s National Team isn’t just about talent. Sure, talent gets you noticed, but it’s not what sets you apart. The 63 players I coached who went on to represent the USWNT weren’t just talented—they were relentless. They were obsessed with improvement, driven by an unshakable work ethic, and committed to doing the hard, unglamorous work that no one else wanted to do. That’s what made them different.
What set them apart? First and foremost, their self-discipline. These players didn’t wait for someone to tell them to train—they trained on their own, every day, with purpose and intensity. They didn’t need a coach breathing down their necks to get better. They were self-motivated, constantly pushing themselves to the edge of their limits. Whether it was fitness, technical skills, or tactical understanding, they were always working to improve. They understood that greatness isn’t built in games—it’s built in the hours of preparation no one sees.
The best players I’ve coached—whether it’s Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly, or any of the 63 who made the USWNT—didn’t wait for someone to tell them to work. They were relentless in their pursuit of improvement, and they understood that every rep, every sprint, every touch on the ball was an investment in their future Players like Mia Hamm would stay after practice to work on their finishing and Kristine Lilly’s fitness was legendary because she never took a day off.
Second, they had an unrelenting competitive drive. At UNC, we created an environment that mirrored the intensity of the national team. Our Competitive Cauldron tracked and ranked everything—every drill, every scrimmage, every moment of practice. These players thrived in that environment. They didn’t just want to win, they wanted to dominate. They wanted to be the best in every metric, every day. That kind of mindset doesn’t just prepare you for the next level—it demands it.
Third, they embraced resilience and adaptability. Let me tell you, every single one of those 63 players faced setbacks. Injuries, losses, moments of doubt—they all had them. But what separated them was how they responded. They didn’t crumble under pressure, they rose above it. Mia Hamm’s recovery from a severe knee injury and Cat Reddick’s journey from being outperformed by a walk-on to becoming a defensive MVP . These examples bring the concept of resilience to life and show that setbacks are just stepping stones for those who refuse to quit. They learned from their failures, adjusted their approach, and came back stronger. That’s the kind of mental toughness you need to succeed at the highest level.
And finally, they were team players with high character. The USWNT isn’t just about individual brilliance—it’s about chemistry, trust, and selflessness. These players understood that. They weren’t just great athletes, they were great people. They supported their teammates, led by example, and contributed positively to the culture of every team they were a part of. That’s why they thrived not just at UNC, but on the national stage .
So, what’s the takeaway? They created their own momentum and brought it to the field. If you want to follow in their footsteps, you’ve got to commit to the same process. You’ve got to outwork everyone, embrace the grind, and never stop pushing yourself to be better. Talent might open the door, but it’s your work ethic, your mindset, and your character that will keep you there. That’s the legacy of the 63. And if you’re ready to put in the work, there’s no reason you can’t be next.
Sacrifice— is the price of admission for greatness. If you want to be extraordinary in anything, especially in a sport as demanding as D1 Athletics, you’ve got to be willing to let go of certain things. That’s the reality. You can’t have it all. You can’t chase every distraction, every fleeting pleasure, and still expect to rise to the top. Excellence demands focus, and focus requires sacrifice.
Here’s the truth: every time you say “yes” to one thing, you’re saying “no” to something else. So, the question is, what are you willing to say “no” to? Are you willing to skip the party on Friday night because you’ve got a 6 a.m. training session on Saturday? Are you willing to put down your phone and get to bed early so you can recover properly? Are you willing to miss out on some of the “fun” things your friends are doing because you’re chasing something bigger, something more meaningful? These are the choices that define you.
At UNC, we built a culture where players understood this. They knew that to be part of something special, they had to make sacrifices. And let me tell you, the players who went on to achieve greatness—whether it was winning national championships, playing for the USWNT, or succeeding in life after soccer—were the ones who embraced this reality. They didn’t see sacrifice as a burden, they saw it as an investment. Every time they said “no” to something that didn’t align with their goals, they were saying “yes” to their dreams.
But note that sacrifice isn’t just about giving things up. It’s about making room for what truly matters. It’s about prioritizing your sport, your growth, and your future over the distractions that pull you away from your purpose. It’s about understanding that the time you spend training, recovering, and preparing isn’t time lost—it’s time invested in becoming the best version of yourself.
Ask Anson a Question such as:
How can I develop the self-discipline to stay consistent with my training, even on days when I feel unmotivated or overwhelmed?
What strategies do you recommend for building momentum when I feel like I’m stuck or not improving as quickly as I’d like?
How do I balance the sacrifices required to excel in soccer with maintaining a healthy personal life and relationships?
What specific habits or routines have you seen in the most successful players that I can adopt to stay focused on my goals?
How can I overcome setbacks, like injuries or poor performances, and use them as fuel to regain momentum and improve?