“I always knew this was one of the hardest decisions I’d make,” said Jen Beattie while recently announcing her retirement from soccer. Indeed, a relatable sentiment, considering the illustrious career and achievements that the Scotland international had witnessed. However, not even a week has passed since Beattie hung up her boots, and the former defender already knows her next move as she looks to emulate the post-retirement path of her girlfriend, Ali Krieger.

Many would be bummed with the fact they won’t get to see the 33-year-old in action ever again, but there’s a twist. Though she may have stopped playing, Beattie will be catching up on the sport on television instead of doing the same on the soccer pitch. “It’s not a decision that I made overnight,” began the former Arsenal and Manchester City defender during her guest appearance on CBS Sports Golazo.

“It’s something that I was kind of thinking about for a long time. I just felt like right now, it felt the right time. I have been doing broadcasting for a number of years now and I was getting so fulfilled doing that. Ultimately, didn’t feel like just at my best anymore. I was ready for what’s next and I’m so excited for my next chapter,” admitted Beattie, who finishes her career by having last played for NWSL side Bay FC.

Of course, things won’t kick off as smoothly for Beattie as one might expect. In the same segment, the 5X WSL and 3X FA Cup winner jokingly admitted to taking some ‘classes‘ to prepare for her broadcasting journey. Perhaps her significant other, Ali Krieger, might lend a helping hand, given that she’s already paving a similar path post-retirement, working as a broadcaster for ESPN.

Notably, after Beattie announced her retirement on Instagram, Krieger also sent best wishes to her beloved girlfriend by sharing a story that read: “You are truly one of a kind. You’ve achieved so much, broken barriers, and have touched countless lives—including mine. Congratulations, my love.. The best is yet to come!” 

Now, the two love birds who made their relationship public last year will again be following a similar career path in the world of broadcast. Even though it sounds fortunate for the two, Beattie knows the challenges she may face in this field.

Jen Beattie knows broadcasting is ‘super-competitive’ but feels ‘ready’ to give her best

No job is easy and has its own drawbacks. Now that Jen Beattie is leaving the game to join its broadcasting side, the ex-Scottish international who earned 143 international caps will be facing different kinds of challenges. But talk about being undeterred as she looks keen to accept whatever may come with it.

“I think it’s so hard. This is the best job in the world and super-competitive,” admitted Beattie in the same segment, who will be pursuing this more than an “enjoyment perspective” but is certainly “ready to have some fun.”

Further expressing her passion for broadcasting, she admitted how she would like to contribute to the tremendous growth of the women’s game. The former defender who also enjoyed stints in France and Australia also shared her desire to contribute to its exposure through the increasing coverage on various networks.

“It’s something that is the closest adrenaline I think I’ll ever get to playing 90 minutes as well when that part is going live and you’re ready for it. I’ll miss that from playing and I think broadcasting is the next thing. I absolutely love doing it and ready for it,” concluded the former Bay FC defender.

Clearly, life after soccer looks sorted for Jen Beattie. Just like she used to showcase her excellent defensive skills, we can’t wait to see how the broadcasting venture turns out for her.