Christen Press is a member of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, and is a two-time World Cup Champion, winning in 2015 and 2019. She has earned over 100 caps for the U.S. and consistently notched assists and goals in international play. Press currently plays for Utah Royals FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Christen played for the Chicago Red Stars for four seasons, including two as captain. Christen has played for several other professional teams, including two years in Sweden, where she helped win the Damallsvenskan league championship one year and was the league’s top goal scorer the next. In her first year as a pro, she was named rookie of the year in the WPS. She is the all-time leading scorer for Stanford University where she won the 2010 Hermann Trophy as the nation’s most outstanding player her senior year.
We did a Q&A session with Christen to get to know her better. Here are some of the highlights.
What's Your Hometown and Where Do You Currently Reside?
I’m currently playing in Salt Lake City playing for my club team, the Utah Royals. I spend the off-season in my hometown Los Angeles, California.
Why Did You Decide to Work With Gaia Herbs and How Does Our Brand Align With Your Values and Goals?
I am very intentional about who I partner with. I decided to partner with Gaia Herbs because I believe in their mission to cultivate sustainable health & well-being between plants and people. I try to maintain a healthy, mostly plant-based diet and Gaia helps me gain the all-natural nutrients I need. Plus, they are advocates of sustainable sourcing, which I love!
What Is Your Favorite Gaia Herbs Product and Why?
Whenever I start feeling a cold coming on, I take Gaia Herbs Echinacea Supreme. It’s amazing for immune support and overall wellness. Because I travel so often, I really rely on this to help me stay healthy on the go.
How Do You Live a Healthy, Well-Balanced Life?
Having a well-balanced, healthy lifestyle is extremely important to me - over the past few years, I’ve developed a self-care routine that helps me to be the best possible version of myself. I try to stick to wholesome nutrients to keep my energy consistent throughout the day. I also practice yoga. The principles of yoga have helped me become a better athlete. It’s amazing for injury prevention and it has helped me increase my flexibility both physically and emotionally. Meditation is also a very important part of my daily self-care routine to help reset my mind each day. We choose to buy in to our stress- it is created by attachments, expectations and pressure. Meditation has taught me that the sun always rises the next day and each day is a new opportunity to be the best versions of ourselves.
What is the Accomplishment that Makes You Most Proud?
My biggest accomplishment is waking up every day being the best version of myself. I want to go to bed every night knowing I was the best teammate, friend, daughter, sister, role model and person I could possibly be that day.
What Drives You to Push Yourself and Find Success?
My family has always been my source of inspiration. My parents have always encouraged me to chase my dreams. At a young age, they taught me the importance of hard work and determination. They pushed me every day to be the best soccer player and person I could possibly be. Their unconditional support and love are what motivate me every single day to push myself and be the best version of myself I could possibly be that day.
What’s Next?
A year ago, I started a purpose-led lifestyle brand called re—inc with three of my teammates - Megan Rapinoe, Tobin Heath, and Meghan Klingenberg. We exist to challenge the status quo, championing equity, diversity, progress and art. I love being a CEO and learning how to run a business. I want to continue to develop this company and achieve my professional goals. Also, next summer is the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and I look forward to working hard toward making the team and bringing home a gold medal for the US.