National Women’s Soccer League

At just 22 years old, Morgan Brian has compiled an impressive soccer resume. In January, the two time MAC Hermann Trophy winner was selected number one overall in the 2015 National Women’s Soccer League Draft by the Houston Dash. This summer, the Georgia native will be headed to Canada to compete with the United States Women’s National Team in the Women’s World Cup. Potentially one of the best midfielders in the world, I talked to the Dash rookie about the upcoming World Cup, the key to her early success, and life in the NWSL.

We can almost say that you aren’t a rookie since you’ve been on the United States Women’s Senior Team for two years, but how is life as a rookie with the Dash? 

It’s great, I really love playing for the Dash. It’s such a professional environment that we put ourselves in and I think just playing at the stadium, at BBVA is awesome. Randy is a great coach, the girls are awesome and having fun. I think it’s a great team and we’re going to keep building off the results we’ve gotten.

You’re going to the World Cup this summer, how excited are you?

I’m really excited, I think it’s going to be a great experience and to be on the team at such a young age, is such blessing and I can’t wait. It’s going to be fun.

When you found out were on the team, what was the first thing you did?

Well, Jill actually called me and woke me up so I went back to sleep! And when I woke up, I called my parents and boyfriend and told them the news. Obviously, it was a really exciting moment.

What’s one quality you possess that could help the United States win the World Cup this year?

That’s a good question. Obviously I’m going to do the role that is asked of me, whether it’s to attack or defend, or close out a game, or be the best teammate. For me, I think I’m just going to go out there and calm the team down, help gain possession, and hopefully link the team and do whatever they need me to do.

You won the U-20 World Cup in 2012, how awesome would it be to to win the World Cup this summer? 

Winning the World Cup would be a dream come true. I think it’s the biggest stage that a player can play on and even a team, the United States, I think we’re due a win here at the World Cup, so hopefully we bring it home.

Was there ever a moment in your career where you may have doubted yourself or thought “I don’t know if I can do this. I don’t know if I can play professionally?”

I don’t think I necessarily doubted myself, I think it was more when I was younger when I more doubted myself than when I was older. Being on the youth teams and gaining confidence that way and playing at UVA under Steve Swanson, I think that it’s never good to doubt yourself regardless of anything that’s happening in your life, so I don’t think I’ve really let myself do that too much.

What’s been the key to your success? 

I would say just the training I’ve had in different environments and  I played with a lot of boys growing up and put myself in fast speeds of play, and I think that’s been a huge part of it. Also playing at the University of Virginia has really helped me and having Steve Swanson as a coach has really elevated my game.

What family member has been the most influential on you? Who’s pushed you? 

My parents have always been there for my support system and they’ve pushed me and helped me grow up to be the person I am character wise and I think that’s something that’s pushed me for sure and soccer wise they don’t really push me, I think that they just want me to have fun and if I’m having fun then it’s going to be good and I’m going to keep playing and they’ve also supported me in that way and my sister played soccer when she was growing up and so I always wanted to do what she did so I followed in her footsteps.

FAST FACTS

Dream Car: I am not a car person! Whatever gets me from point A to point B is what I want!

Biggest Pet Peeve: Honestly I don’t know. I don’t really have that many pet peeves, I’m pretty easy going and I could probably think of one if it came, if someone did it, I would be like “That is a pet peeve” but I don’t really have one that sticks out to me.

Favorite TV Show: Scandal.

Favorite Candy: Sour Things.

Favorite Fruit: Pineapple.

Favorite Vegetable: Broccoli.

Favorite Store: This is really getting me thinking! Forever 21.

Dream Job Growing Up: Professional Soccer Player.

Thank you to Morgan Brian for taking the time to talk with me. Be sure to follow Morgan on Twitter @moeebrian.

You can also follow the Houston Dash @HoustonDash for updates throughout the season.

Photos courtesy of Houston Dash.