When I was younger, I was a complete tomboy. Then in college I started emerging out of the tomboy stage and dressing differently.

Of course Seattle loves soccer. You can see from the men's Seattle Sounders team.

I never felt the same passion for the game in the States and there were a lot of headaches, a lot of obstacles to overcome - it didn't just run itself for the love of the game because soccer is not the No. 1 sport as it is in Europe.

I played in Europe and it was a great experience, not just because of my team-mates and the coaches we had, but from the fans and the city itself - I played in Gothenburg and I played in Lyon and soccer was everywhere.

One thing I've learned in life is that I can speak for myself, that I can fight my own battles. I don't like anyone telling me how I'm supposed to feel or think or what I'm supposed to say.

You know journalists. You know the media. They are going to hang on to anything negative they possibly can.

My father showed me so much love. He showed my brother so much love.