Carli Lloyd

“The time has come to change our model of heroism. This means that being a hero is no longer a mythical classification reserved for superheroes in comic books, or a few legendary men and women, or worse still, peacocks who spend all their time strutting in front of the mirror or under the spotlight. Instead, being a hero becomes a way of life: we don’t need heroic acts, but daily dignity.” (Economic Forum). A hero can be anyone: a single mother or father working multiple shifts to present their kids with gifts for the holidays, a firefighter risking his/her life to save others, a young woman working hard in the sports industry to inspire little girls all over the world, or even a young teen saying no to drugs. To be a hero is a mentality. It is constantly being aware if someone nearby is in need. It is having the determination to put others’ needs in front of one’s own, and to press on, even when times turn unbearable. It is the zeal to be in uncomfortable situations in order to aid others, or better oneself. We can see heroism all around us, providing comfort and stability to the public. However, being a hero is not a one-time-thing, not a hit-and-go situation, but a constant need to benefit people for the greater good. Heroism is not helping someone out once or twice, but the willingness to put oneself in uncomfortable situations to inspire and help others.

One individual who exemplifies all the quality traits of a hero is Carli Lloyd. Lloyd was born on July 16, 1982, in the small town of Delran, New Jersey. She grew up in a family that revolved around sports, so she played soccer every hour of every day. Lloyd quickly discovered she had an unquenchable passion for soccer, and thrived on the field. Years later, Carli joined the national team, and her fame has only grown from there: “As a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a star player for the Houston Dash of the National Women's Soccer League, Carli Lloyd is regarded as one of the top American female soccer players of her generation.” (Gale).  In her brief years being a professional soccer player, she has already made a huge impact on her team, and their achievements: She is a "Three-time Olympian (2008, 2012, 2016); Two-time Olympic medalist (2 golds), 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Ball Award recipient, became the first player in U.S. Women’s National Team history to score in four straight FIFA World Cup games (2015), and scored the game-winning goal in the gold-medal match against Brazil at the 2008 Olympic Games, and twice in Team USA’s 2-1 victory over Japan in the gold-medal game of the 2012 Olympics" (Lloyd, Coffey). But, Lloyd has only attained as much as she has because of her astounding dedication and her “prove-them-wrong edge.” Through these incredible accomplishments, Carli Lloyd represents all the idealistic traits of an admirable figure.

Lloyd is determined to make this shot.ESPN.comCarli Lloyd’s remarkable determination pushed her through the toughest of times, molding her into the person she is today. After her various tournaments, Lloyd is both physically and mentally drained. However, she chooses to endure through all the discomfort and pain, she perseveres through all of her workouts because she knows it will benefit her in the long run: "Since I was a little girl. That’s when I first started dreaming about being part of the national team. Never did I think that was possible – let alone being a World Cup Champion. But it’s amazing what happens when you put your mind to something and just go out every day and work towards that dream – you can reach it. That’s basically all I’ve been doing for the last 12 years, grinding away and working" (people.com). Carli Lloyd exhibits how she is intent on getting better and fitter. She shows how if someone sets their mind to a goal and keep working at it, they will get there. Carli is a living example of dedication. She displays true initiative and determination to become  one of the best by training almost everyday to reach her nirvana. Even though her goal was seemingly impossible at the time, she made it attainable with her immense dedication. Carli Lloyd’s determination shines bright when she decides to train no matter the conditions: “‘There’s times where I’ve got to layer up my clothes and go outside on a cold, wintry day,’ she said, ‘and run when my feet are frozen. Maybe (the cold) teaches you how to become a bit tougher.’” (Stanford). Through the text, Carli conveys that she is ready to put in work, no matter how much pain she has to endure. She reveals her vigor to become a soccer icon. Through rain, snow, hail, or sleet, or even Christmas, she is willing to better herself at the expense of her comfort. This shows obvious dedication and courage to strengthen herself for something she loves. Lloyd’s dedication uncovers her many valuable lessons throughout her life, and has benefited her growth on and off the pitch.

Lloyd is happy that all her hard work has payed off.Los Angeles TimesLloyd uses her fierce underdog mentality to work harder and rise above everyone else. She takes advantage of this much-needed mindset, to put herself to the test against the rest of the world: "She [Carli Lloyd] has used it [underdog mindset] to fuel her rise as the greatest clutch player in the history of women’s soccer and her private coach, James Galanis, thinks Lloyd has a right to maintain this mindset. His star pupil has not convinced everyone that she is the best in the game. It’s an issue for Team Lloyd, but they’ll use it to their advantage, no doubt" (Vecsey). The author explains how Lloyd uses her ferocious prove-them-wrong attitude to fire her growth as a soccer player. If even a single person thinks Carli cannot do something, she works harder to manifest her incredible talent. She trains day after day to prove to her critics; she can do this. She will plow through any obstacle in her way, doing nothing but verifying that she can, and will, be the best. This works to her advantage, making her work harder than anyone else, train harder than anyone else, and play harder than anyone else. Lloyd describes how she obtains motivation from the smallest aspects of the game, and possesses a prove-them-wrong attitude:"I am one of those athletes who thrive on slights, whether real or imagined. My trainer James Galanis does everything he can to cultivate it [underdog mindset]. He knows I am at my best when I am playing with an edge, with some Jersey-girl attitude" (Lloyd, Coffey, pg x). Here, Carli describes how even the smallest of “slights” set her off. If a single action, review, or critic states anything that she could improve on, she feels like it is her duty to show him/her how wrong they are. This urges her to become a better athlete, person, and friend. She uses her underdog mentality to prove to not only herself, but to all her critics that she is capable of being not only an incredible athlete, but a fantastic soccer player as well. Maintaining this mindset throughout all the years has only brought Carli hope and growth.

Lloyd now has her own book, All Heart.Kirkus ReviewsCarli Lloyd displays a great deal of dedication and an inspiring underdog mindset which helps her attain any goal she sets her mind to. Lloyd perseveres through the toughest of times in her personal and soccer life because she is a determined young woman. She hammers away at any obstacle thrown in front of her. She also trains everyday to grow as an individual, no matter the conditions. Once she sets her mind on a goal, she doesn’t stop. Lloyd also uses her underdog mindset, or her “prove-them-wrong edge” to demonstrate that all her critics are incorrect. Instead of letting rude or demeaning comments penetrate her confidence, she uses them as motivation to better herself. She has an addiction to validate herself to the world, which works to her advantage. Carli Lloyd has inspired many little girls all over the world. She has stood up for issues like the wage gap between men and women, arguing that women deserve to get paid just as much as men. She has influenced the thinking of all the little girls in the world, motivating them to try their best no matter what. She proclaims how she and her fellow teammates have turned the heads of millions, inspiring everyone surrounding them. She also motivates, moves, and impels her audience, by never giving up: “‘Carli is a role model that teaches us to never give up on our goals,” Raphael said. “She almost gave up on her own soccer dream, but with the help of those close to her, she stuck with her journey and she has never looked back.’” (Whittaker) Even throughout her countless injuries, Carli persists on and is compelled to push through all her drawbacks. Personally, Carli Lloyd has inspired me through all my 8 years of playing soccer. Whenever I get hurt, I push through the pain and try to recover as quickly as possible. Whenever a nosy soccer mom comments on the referee’s “bad” call, I keep my head high and don’t make any snotty remarks. Whenever I feel like giving up, I think about Carli Lloyd, and how she has made such an influence on the soccer world.