Q. What was it like growing up Rachel?

A. I grew up in a neighborhood with lots of kids - and lots of boys. We were always outside rollerblading or playing soccer, football, or basketball. I just grew up learning that if I wanted to stay in the game, I had to be tough.

Q. Was there anything about you that made you stand out?

A. Yes! I stood out because I was fearless. I was a tomboy who wore soccer clothes every day to school. I loved that I was never judged for being who I wanted to be.

Q. When did you start playing soccer?

A. When I was seven! I started out in American Youth Soccer Organization, where my mom (who is one of my heroes) was the assistant coach. At twelve, I started playing for San Diego Surf Soccer Club and I played right through junior high and high school. Then I played for Stanford University and later, I made the national team.

Q. Who is your role model?

A.In addition to my parents, my day to day role model is my Moroccan soccer coach, Platini Soaf. I have known him since I was ten. His passion and positivity are amazing. Every time I kick a nice pass, he says, "That was magic."

Q. What was it like playing for the US Olympic Team?

A. Being in China representing our country was amazing. When we sang the national anthem, I started to cry.

Q. The team had a rocky start at the Olympics, right?

A. We lost our first game to Norway 2-0. It became an even bigger challenge to win the gold after losing like that, but we were unfazed. Our coach was very calm, and our team was very close. We focused on moving forward. Even though it was unheard of to lose the first game and then to come back, we did! We ended up beating Brazil in the finals and won in overtime.

Q. Girls must ask you for advice on how to succeed in sports. What do you tell them?

A. Be determined - and be prepared! When I am prepared, it always makes me confident and happy and keeps me positive. Then I can roll with the punches.

Q. Do you think every girl can find something that she loves and is good at?

A. Yes! Find the thing that you are passionate about AND that is fun. It must be a balance.

Q. Any other words of wisdom?

A. It's important for girls (and all of us!) to manage our time wisely. There are so many things to do - just focus and do a few things well.

Q. Do you have a favorite quote?

A."Mind over matter." It's something my 80-year-old grandmother taught me. She is under 5 feet tall and tiny, but athletic and strong. When she was young, she would shimmy up ropes and was also a great runner.

Q. OK, now we know where you get your energy from. Before we leave girls thinking that you are TOO perfect, tell us something that reminds us that you're like the rest of us.

A.I love dark chocolate!

Even your favorite sweet is healthy, but we like you anyway.
Thanks, Rachel!

Find out more about Rachel's awesome women's
soccer team, FC Gold Pride!