Christen's Rookie For Life: "Playing Abroad is an Adventure"

Sep 21, 2025, 12:01 PM•re-website

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A special note from Christen to you, The Reimaginers:

It’s been thirteen years (thirteen years, holy cow!) since I moved to Sweden and debuted the blog ‘Rookie for Life.’ With the influx of players making the move abroad now, I can’t help but think of that time in my life and my career.

When I headed for Sweden, I was 23 and things looked a bit different in the world of women’s soccer. The WPS had just folded, the NWSL wasn’t even a concept yet, and European women’s soccer wasn't broadcast. So, I left my expectations and preconceived notions at home, and I signed with a club in Sweden in the middle of wintertime. With me, I brought way too much luggage, an open mind, and a desire to push my game to the next level. And what I found at Göteborg FC, and then with Tyresö, was the adventure of my lifetime.

The game of soccer was different then. As were the contracts, facilities, and salaries. So much has changed for the better over the years. Now, going abroad isn’t questioned or discouraged. It’s actually a destination for so many players where they can take their game to new heights. Where they can earn their market value. Where they can play with and against the best. But with all these perks come great expectations. And whatever the reason for the mass exits, what I hope most for these young players is that they find an adventure like I did!

For those who’ve been loyal readers of the ‘Rookie for Life’ blog since day one, you’ll know that going abroad wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows for me 😂 It was freezing my butt off in the snow, losing big games, struggling with the language barrier, and discovering interesting things like “Lagom!”

For all of its quirks, I look back on that time fondly. The feeling of elation at receiving my first USWNT camp call up, and the subsequent call ups. Becoming one of the most prolific goal scorers in Europe. And the hopefulness and excitement that kept me up at night, with my whole career ahead of me.

But for all I remember, and for everything I can’t, some things have remained true through the test of time: life and soccer are a two way street. Soccer teaches me so much about life, and life teaches me so much about soccer.

I am still cruising this boulevard. I look around the field at my teammates, with their young and eager eyes, grateful to remember the joy and hunger that comes with youth. And I look around at my life. At my sweet Bobbi and my dear one as we dream under the bamboo at the Bungalow — still at the beginning of our adventure together, with our whole lives ahead of us.

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ICYMI: The NWSLPA stands in solidarity with the WNBAPA 🏀

Recently, the NWSL Players Association supported the WNBA Players Association by wearing “Pay Them What You Owe Them” shirts. This move was one of support as the negotiations around the WNBA collective bargaining agreement continue.

The WNBAPA wore similar shirts with the message “Pay Us What You Owe Us” shirts before the 2025 All-Star Game!

✨ The Gals are all about players getting paid what they're worth ✨

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Alyssa's New Adventure:
from the 09/18 REwind episode with Alyssa Thompson

"It feels like Alyssa's journey is just getting started." — Tobin Heath

Missed this part of the episode? Tune in below around the 3 minute mark to watch Tobin and Christen reflect on Alyssa's time at ACFC and what awaits her across the pond 🛫

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