Former Professional soccer player. Played pro 12 years in the WPS, NWSL and for the Canadian National Team. Pan Am Gold Medalist, Olympic Bronze Medalist, World Cup, WPS Champion. Off the field Lauren is an Entrepreneur creating a fashion empire, a Sports Host (About The Game Podcast:NFL Edition) Agent and Mentor to future superstars and soon to be author.
FWM: Tell us about your career as a professional soccer player.
After an incredible time at Purdue University I was drafted to the WPS (Women’s Professional Soccer League) which was the most surreal experience. Ever since I was a little girl I wanted to play pro soccer and to someday play on the world’s stage and I did everything I could to make that dream happen. That first year we won the WPS Championship and I couldn’t believe I was a part of it. All of that work, all of the tears, it was worth it.
I joined the Canadian National Team in 2011 when I first got my call up and I had to pinch myself daily realizing I had made my dreams happen. That year we won a Gold Medal at the Pan American Games, followed by a Bronze Medal at the London Olympics in 2012 and in which we were inducted into the Olympic and Canadian Hall of Fame due to our amazing run that year and inspiring not only our country but the world. I also played in the World Cup in 2015 which is every soccer player’s ultimate goal before retiring in 2017.
FWM: Did your family have an influence on your decision to be an athlete?
My family is incredible. Both of my brothers were big time athletes as well and we would play all types of sports with the neighborhood boys growing up, I think that’s how I became so tough and strong. My brother’s were both goalies so it helped a lot when it came to training. I would say my father is my biggest influence, he was my coach for basketball growing up and he was the absolute best. Even though soccer wasn’t his sport he was outside playing with us and running sprints with us, timing me and always cheering me on. My parents came to almost every game, driving hours upon hours to make my dream come true. I owe so much to them.
FWM: You were an Olympic Bronze Medalist, World Cup, and WPS Champion. What does it take to be the best?
It takes a lot to be a champion. It isn’t easy. There are so many times I wanted to give up, but then I knew what my purpose was…that I was getting an opportunity of a lifetime to not only inspire the world but to grow the beautiful game and be a voice on and off the field. I gave up so much to focus on being an all-star athlete, and I wouldn’t change anything, they were the BEST years of my life and I accomplished every dream I ever had and not many people can say that. Most people think it’s easy, that talent will get you there, that it will just be given to them, but that’s not true. Especially in the women’s game there are not a lot of opportunities and it is very cut throat. It takes A LOT of discipline, focus, confidence and mental toughness to be a pro athlete.
FWM: What have you learned about yourself throughout your competitive career?
I have learned so much about myself throughout my career. First and foremost, I have learned how worthy I truly am. Soccer was my safe place, the only place I felt happiness. When I’m on the field I feel unstoppable and that I am worthy of everything, but off the field that was never the case. I have learned to love myself, every part of myself both on and off the field. I have gained a level of confidence I never knew I had that has helped me transition into the business world and life after soccer and be a fighter. When I played everything felt easy, off the field I struggled a lot mentally. Sports has helped me so much and that is why I feel my purpose now is to give back and to help others both on and off the field.
FWM: Tell us about your Fashion Empire.
I’ve always loved fashion but always admired it from afar and stuck to being a tomboy…now I realize I can incorporate my tomboyish ways with my love of fashion. Streetwear and vintage wear has always been my favorite and I can’t wait to build an empire starting with that and then getting more into the glam side. Throughout the years I have really started to love getting glam and letting that side out that many people don’t see and I am seeing fashion through a different lens that I never did before. It is beautiful art and it is something I want to create and bring to life. I have a ton of amazing ideas that I want to bring to the people so I am working hard to make those things happen! I’m excited to see what the future will bring!
FWM: You are the host of The Game Podcast:NFL Edition. What do you enjoy the most?
Sports has always been my life…I grew up on Football, soccer and basketball and I LOVE watching and playing all 3. When I got the opportunity to be the host of “About The Game” I jumped at it. I have always admired other athletes and their stories and I want to bring their journey’s to light in hopes of helping others. The athlete psyche is one of the most intriguing things in the world…the mindset it takes to play at that level is insane so to be able to talk sports and talk the highs and lows is so much fun to me. We have a very talented crew and it’s an honor to work side by side with them. We have some incredible things coming up. We are just getting started so I can’t wait to show you all!
FWM: What is your vision for 2022?
In the upcoming months you will start to see the inner workings of my clothing line I am working on. I want to share that process with others in hopes to inspire them. I also will be doing a lot more sports hosting and am currently working on an autobiography and another children’s series. I wrote a series a few years ago and it was a huge hit so I have so many ideas of what I want to bring to life and I beyond excited about it. I also hope to do my first fashion collaboration whether it be athletic or glam wear and you will be seeing me in an upcoming movie that I filmed this spring, so can’t wait for that!!!
https://www.instagram.com/lsesselmann/?hl=en
