Some of the greatest soccer talents began their sports careers often excelling in other areas before transitioning to the beautiful game. For example, Czech goalkeeper Petr Čech grew up playing ice hockey and continued to do so after his retirement and we all know about Gareth Bale’s love for golf. Joining this list of versatile athletes are the Thompson sisters of the USWNT, who showed promise as track and field stars growing up. 

Alyssa and Gisele Thompson first garnered attention for their extraordinary performances on the track. They made history as the first high school athletes to sign a NIL (name, image, and likeness) deal with Nike at ages 17 and 16.  After all, Gisele ran track at Harvard-Westlake School and her elder sister Alyssa once ran 100m in 11.74 seconds, which was the second fastest 100m sprint of that time in 2022, California. 

“I think we did both (track & soccer) for a long time,” the Thompson sisters told Sam Mewis in the latest episode of ‘The Women’s Game’. “I don’t know which we started first, the track was kind of like to help with soccer and we didn’t really (run) track that much” Considering how they play attacking roles on the pitch, the added pace from their track days is a massive boost. 

But track and field doesn’t come easy, for one may run less than 10% of the time they spend during a soccer game, but the intensity remains the same if not more. “It’s very stressful and it’s like only on you, so there’s so much pressure,” said Gisele highlighting how the team sport is less stressful. “I have never felt like that nervous ever, and you feel it before every race” added Alyssa.

Choosing soccer has undoubtedly been the right path for the Thompson sisters, who compete in the NWSL for Angel City FC. While they both share the field as club teammates, the sisters aspire that one day they will be able to play together for a different team. The one that represents red, blue, and white. 

Thompsons stay on track for 2028 dreams

Having represented the United States at all the underage camps, Gisele Thompson hopes that one day she’ll be able to play alongside her sister Alyssa for Emma Hayes’ side. Alyssa has already scored her maiden goal and featured in the USWNT’s latest friendly against the Dutch. Hopefully, Hayes will give the younger sister her first senior cap as well. 

With the 2028 Olympics set to take place in their hometown of Los Angeles, the sisters are hoping that they will get the chance to shine in front of family and friends for the Stars and Stripes. But for now, Emma Hayes has a different ‘Alyssa’ to replace in her squad. 

With goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher playing her last game for the USWNT, the former Chelsea boss will need to decide who takes the gloves. Meanwhile, Alyssa and Gisele Thompson must deliver standout displays at the club level to get a spot in the starting XI, especially considering the plethora of talent the USWNT boasts of.