Meghan Klingenberg played every minute during the 2015 Women’s World Cup which saw the US Women’s National Team win the competition.

MEGHAN KLINGENBERG was transferred to the Portland Thorns at the end of last year. As well as the qualities she is known to have throughout the game the fact that she played every minute to help the US Women’s National Team take the 2015 Women’s World Cup title means she is one of the sport’s best and most high profile players. She spent the last two NWSL seasons with the Houston Dash and at only 27 years of age hopes to have some of her best playing years ahead of her.

In this exclusive interview Meghan took the time to talk to us about her journey in the game including who have been some of the most important people in guiding her and aiding her progression. Read on to find out what her views on being a role model for women around the world are and her ambition to be part of the winning team at this year’s Olympics.

When did you start playing soccer?

I started playing soccer at age six. I didn’t love it at first because I wasn’t very good, but as I practiced and got better it became a passion.

Who have been your biggest mentors and most important coached in the game?

I was lucky to have a few coaches that really went out of their way to help me reach the potential that they saw. One of my youth coaches, Joenal Castma, would practice with me one-on-one every week for four years. He provided me with insight that helped me realise the potential at being a one-on-one player.

Also, Anson Dorrance is one of my favorite coaches and people in the world. He is one of the people I’m most grateful for having in my life. He cares about me more as a person than as a player. That allowed him to give me harsh truths about my game to help me become the player I wanted to be.

While playing in Sweden Meghan’s team won the league and also reached the Champions’ League final in the same year.

Have you always been a defender?

I’m only a defender when the other team has the ball (same with all of my teammates). When we have the ball, then I have a free role to help my team move the ball forward and make stuff happen in the attacking third.

What is your best memory from your career to date?

One of my biggest successes in league football happened while I was abroad in Sweden. We won our domestic league and then played in the Champions’ League final. It is one of my favorite football memories.

How does it feel to be a role model to women and girls around the world?

It’s flattering to be considered a role model for other people, but frankly, I’m just trying to be a good person and become a better person as I get older. If i can be a good person throughout life then that’s more powerful than being a good soccer player. 

What are your hobbies outside of the world of soccer?

Reading, biking, eating, cooking and brainstorming how to make the world a little easier.

How does it feel to be at the Portland Thorns and what are your biggest ambitions in the sport for the rest of the year and beyond?

I’m so excited to be a part of the Portland Thorns. Our potential is limitless and it’s always fun being a part of a team that has so much potential.

Aside from vying for the league title, I want to win the Olympics. It’s an honor to represent my country on such a prominent stage and I’m excited to see how good this USWNT can be.