Flashback to 2012, the Summer Olympics when Canada won the bronze medal- Lauren Sesselmann was on that team, and now today she is my next Q&A interview. Lauren and I have connected through Instagram, and I knew she was my type of girl when she said the words, “I am a Packer fan.” Finally, I had met another one.
Lauren is originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin, a sister of two brothers and now a professional football (soccer) player for the Santa Clarita Blue Heat in California. In 2012, she won the bronze medal with Team Canada in London during the Summer Olympics.
Get to know Lauren, the fierce woman who fought for her dreams, and it all started when she threw a boy to the ground her first day of soccer practice and scored a goal!
Did you always want to be a pro soccer player? If not, what did you want to be when you grew up?
LS: Yes!!! It was a dream of mine since I was little! Once I found the love for it when I was around 10 years old I never stopped. I started playing non stop, traveling two hours to and from Milwaukee to play on the best team in the state. I watched soccer, especially the national teams all the time and told myself and my family and everyone I knew that I would play in the Olympics and World Cup one day!
How did your passion for soccer begin?
LS: I was a huge basketball player growing up and that was my first love. My brothers started playing soccer, and I would always go kick the ball around with them and play pick up with the neighborhood kids, so one day I asked my mom to sign me up for soccer. My first practice I was so scared because I was always so shy and the team was co-ed. I spent half the practice on the bench until I was finally convinced to get on the field. I threw a boy on the ground and scored a goal…and when my mom picked me up I told her it was my favorite sport in the whole world, and I loved it!
What was it like to win an Olympic bronze medal?
LS: It was the most incredible surreal experience ever. I couldn’t believe it was happening, I had to pinch myself everyday that I was living my dream and playing for Canada and making everyone proud. No one but my family believed I could make it (well besides the coach) and standing on that podium with the national anthem playing and my family in the crowd the tears never stopped streaming down my face and still brings me to tears every time I think abut it. All that hard work, sacrifice and all the highs and lows before that moment were worth it. I had did it!
You played for the Canada national team, was there any big differences playing for a different country?
LS: Nope not really…Canada and US are pretty similar…I just needed to learn some things about the history…luckily I had a family of sisters to teach me the ins and outs!
Tell me about your team now, you’re still playing with the Santa Clarita Blue Heat?
LS: After getting injured I took some time to let my body heal and started exploring life after soccer which isn’t the easiest transition. That love for the game is still there, and I know it will never go away. I still wanted to compete while I was working and the Blue Heat was the perfect fit. We are an extremely talented team, with players from all over the world, and the competition is great. We had a very successful season last year and I am excited to get back out on the field with them this year and see who we have added to the roster!
What is your daily routine like?
LS: I love my daily routine, it keeps me on track and helps me accomplish all my goals. Every morning I wake up, stretch a little, do my daily intentions and soul readings along with checking emails and enjoying my coffee. I love my mornings… they dictate how my day is going to go. I make sure to get a big breakfast and take my vitamins and then I usually go work out. I love training in the morning because that is when I have the most energy. Then I go to meetings, work, coach etc, run errands, and at night I love to just shut off my phone relax and catch up on my favorite shows. And every night before bed I love to read and make my to do list for the next day.
If you could be any other athlete for the day, who would you be and why?
LS: Oooo that is a great question! Hmm I probably have several people I would be. Messi, so I could be that technical and ridiculous. Kobe Bryant because of his basketball brain and entrepreneur brain is insane. Maybe someone like a dancer (because I always wanted sick rhythm haha) or a tennis player like Serena WIlliams, I LOVE tennis and I love everything about her…her work ethic, her voice to stand up for what is right and for women, and she is just a bada$$.
What is the best advice you have to those wanting to chase their dreams?
LS: My first piece of advice I always tell people I mentor is to be confident and HAVE FUN. Sports is a crazy world and A LOT of work, and if you are not enjoying the process then it is not for you, never force it. My other piece of advice is to never let ANYONE tell you you are not good enough. If that were the case I would never have accomplished any of the things I have. Have a vision, surround yourself with people who support that vision and just go out there and put your best self forward day in and day out. Enjoy and love life and do everything you have always wanted to do!