“I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from soccer,” said Sydney Leroux just a couple of days ago, announcing her decision to take some time out from the beautiful game. Mental health was one of the reasons the Angel City veteran made this call. But it looks like this trend is not slowing down, as the latest player to make this decision in the NWSL is Racing Louisville star Bethany Balcer.

The 2025 campaign hasn’t even kicked off in full swing, with just a single match week completed. But who would have thought that dedicating yourself too much to the very thing you love could compel you to leave it? At 28, players are often considered past their prime. But they are still in a crucial phase to shape the final stages of their careers.

Yet, Balcer appears firm in her decision, sharing a lengthy message just hours ago in an Instagram post. “I have made the difficult but necessary decision to take some time away from soccer,” the striker begins. “I’ve always preached that when soccer is no longer fun, and you don’t find joy in doing it, something needs to change. And it seems I haven’t been listening to myself for a while.”

The Hudsonville, Michigan, native admitted that she has been feeling this way for the past year and a half. It’s almost as if the Louisville forward has gradually felt her identity slipping away. She describes being consumed by soccer and the demands of being a professional athlete. She defined herself as chasing materialistic things, a pursuit that has left her feeling bitter and drained of all the “love and joy” she once had for the game.

“While that is a sad thing to admit, I’m excited to focus on Beth outside of soccer, because it’s more important than who Beth the soccer player is. In due time, I’m confident I’ll return to the field with a new passion and energy for doing something I love. Until then, I’m gonna keep doing my best, for me,” concluded Bethany.

Notably, the former Seattle Reign star bagged just three goals and one assist in over 10 games last season. Over the past five years, she has scored a total of 33 goals. Yet, it seems Balcer has given her all to the game, leaving her mentally exhausted.

That said, this decision shouldn’t come as a surprise. A significant portion of her Instagram is dedicated to posts about mental health and its impact, clearly showing how seriously she takes the issue. In that case, Balcer might have been expected to be the first to step away. That’s because another NWSL rival had already made a similar announcement before her.

Before Racing Louisville, mental health realization reached Angel City

Veteran forward Sydney Leroux also recently revealed that she needed a break from soccer, announcing on an Instagram post. The 34-year-old also admitted that it was one of the hardest things she had ever faced or come to terms with. However, after much reflection, Leroux ultimately decided to step away from the sport to prioritize her mental health.

“Anyone who knows me knows I’m a fighter — I always have been. I take pride in showing up, in giving everything I have, but right now I owe it to myself and my children to take a step back and take care of me,” she said while taking accountability for her decision. Taking a moment to thank her teammates and fans, she assured them that this wasn’t a farewell.

Interestingly, her absence led to speculation among fans, with many assuming she might be pregnant. However, the Canadian-born American quickly addressed the rumors, firmly dismissing them. It’s clear that Leroux genuinely needs time away from the game to prioritize her mental health.

With both Angel City and Racing Louisville forwards stepping back, NWSL fans are left waiting. They now look forward to the return of two stars taking a temporary break from the game. Let’s see when that happens.