As they say, “Variety is the spice of life,” and for Mallory Swanson, it was the spice that accompanied her success on the soccer field. The USWNT and NWSL star recently shared her journey to the top. She traces her present success to her experience in multiple sports. Swanson discussed how participating in various sports helped shape her as an athlete. Did you know that Mal also played basketball and ran track? All these experiences she integrated into her development as a well-rounded competitor.

“I personally think that it’s very important for kids to play multiple sports and not just one,” Swanson stated in a recent conversation on the Pure Athlete podcast. She pointed out that while she played soccer year-round, her time on the basketball court and track allowed her to learn new skills, maintain her enthusiasm for sports, and prevent burnout.

Swanson used to shoot hoops at Mountain Vista High School in Colorado, although she did not pursue it as a career.  From an early age, Swanson confronted a series of athletic challenges. She also ran sprints and relays, and no wonder she got this insane pace and agility on the pitch. In basketball, she worked on quick decision-making skills and practiced hand-eye coordination, while in track, she learned endurance and how to force herself beyond limits. This mix of experiences enabled her the athleticism, physical strength, and mental toughness necessary to succeed in soccer.

Swanson‘s message resonates with parents and young athletes who may feel that they must concentrate solely on one path. Her story reminds everyone that success is not about always being the best at one thing from the beginning; rather, it’s about laying a foundation through diverse experiences. Swanson’s focus on varied experiences aligns with the USWNT’s approach as they prepare for the challenges of the SheBelieves Cup.

USWNT gets ready for the SheBelieves Cup 2025!

It is the 10th anniversary of the SheBelieves Cup as USWNT goes into the tournament in 2025, with much excitement and pressure. Seven-time champions, USWNT, are again at the top of the favorites list, but this time around it is a challenge to take home another title. The current team comes in with fresh challenges under new head coach Emma Hayes after years of dominating the tournament.

In the series of matches, the USWNT will be facing Japan, Australia, and Colombia. Japan is a tactically consistent team and is also looking for its first-ever SheBelieves Cup title. Japan was defeated 1-0 by the U.S. in the 2024 Paris Olympics and would like to get off to a good start. Australia will be making his debut in the SheBelieves Cup after having an inconsistent performance in the Olympics. Under interim coach Tom Sermanni, the Matildas could be a surprise contender. And finally, Colombia, the mix of youth and experience, having gone great at the Paris Olympics and ready to take on the United States in their opening match.

As the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup is there on the line, the USWNT must get ready through the SheBelieves Cup. The games will take place at three historic venues: Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, State Farm Stadium in Arizona, and Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego.