Some Angel City players on the roster were “five years old,” when Christen Press won her first World Cup with USWNT. We’re not saying it, Press is, but let that sink in because that’s how much of a veteran the Angel City forward actually is. Yet a year after recovering from her devastating ACL injury, the 36-year-old shows no sign of slowing down.

In fact, Press revealed how she has an unwritten role at Angel City FC while discussing her future with the team. And the best part about it is that it’s priceless. That’s because no athlete enjoys gradually losing their peak with age. But she also shared that her time on re-inc—an organization she founded with the likes of Tobin Heath, Megan Rapnioe, and Meghan Klingenberg with the aim to reimagine the status quo—has been a “gift” and a “blessing” that has helped Press redefine what her “value is on the team.” And it’s got everything to do with helping the young players.

“That’s in helping our captains lead, even though I’m not the captain. Yeah, that’s helping our young players score goals,” Christen Press told Tobin Heath on RE-CAP podcast. Despite not being the designated leader of the team on the field, the 36-year-old has become a kind of mentor. The fact that the mentor also shares the field with the younger players who look up to her is just bonus points.

Needless to say, this role that never found its way in the contract terms isn’t something she enjoys. The USWNT player certainly doesn’t enjoy being called a senior. “They call me a senior player. It’s horrible,” the RE-CAP Show co-host joked. Weirdly, even the injury played a part in the soccer star accepting her role.

Christen Press told the LA Times that she had a lot of time to contemplate in the two years she was out. “I have this ideology that things don’t happen to you, they happen for you. So I always ask myself, ‘What’s the gift of this?’” Press said on the eve of her return to the field. One year later, the 36-year-old knows what it is. It’s also a role she continues to fulfill during the upcoming NWSL season.

Coach troubles amid Christen Press’ contract extension

Despite not being the most prolific player on the roster since her return, Press has continued to prove herself as a valuable asset. From an experienced player with goal-scoring ability to a mentor-like presence on and off the field, Press has it all. Plus, LA is her home turf. So, it didn’t come as a surprise when the World Cup winner signed a 1-year contract extension with ACFC.

“LA, it was always you. This city’s strength and resilience inspires me, and I could not be more proud to represent LA—my home city—when I step out onto the pitch this season,” Christen Press announced in January. Sporting Director Mark Parsons also knows just how crucial she is to the squad. “She has a key role to play on and off the pitch,” Parsons said about the veteran.

Yet, while the team has a lock on Press, things aren’t going so smoothly in the coaching department. ACFC fired head coach Becki Tweed in December 2024, after the team’s dismal performance with just 7 wins, nearly as many draws at 6 and 13 losses. Yet, with NWSL season looming, the Angels are still hunting for a new head coach, and not finding one.

Mark Parsons shed some light on what’s going on. “Sam [Laity] is our interim head coach, and we believe he will be our interim head coach until June. That’s the current reality of our head coach process,” the ACFC Sporting Director added. So it would seem Christen Press’ mentorship abilities are more crucial for her team than ever before.