I think I’ve done it one time in the past, so to be able to do it again, I think it’s just really special. Mallory Pugh: It was really special, I think. Gatorade athletes Mallory Pugh and Riley Jackson fuel the future of American soccerįanSided: What was it like surprising Riley with this year’s Gatorade Award? In an exclusive interview highlighting her myriad achievements, Pugh spoke with FanSided about the “good vibes” on the USWNT, how 2021 became her “favorite year” and the personal growth that every twentysomething finds relatable. Physical recovery is one thing, but for anyone forcibly removed from doing what they love - and facing the harsh criticism of onlookers watching their every move - corporeal injuries take a mental toll. It wasn’t so long ago that Pugh was left off the Tokyo 2020 Olympic roster and dealt with one of the biggest challenges as an athlete: overcoming a significant injury. Pugh is, literally and figuratively, on top of the world, but her wins today come at the cost of yesterday’s losses. In fact, Pugh was one of three scorers who secured a semi-final win for the United States in a 3-0 match against Costa Rica in the CONCACAF World Championship, heading to a final featuring the U.S. At just 24 years old, Pugh has already represented the United States on the world stage several times, and she continues to do so this summer as the USWNT vies for an all-but-guaranteed FIFA World Cup slot. “I think I have a really good engine - I never stop running because I always want to do what’s best for my team and always help my teammates have success.”įollowing her recognition by Gatorade, Mallory Pugh became the best youth prospect the NWSL has ever seen, putting her in a unique position as one of the most prominent faces of soccer’s future. “I think that my most unique quality for me as an athlete is my heart and determination that I play with on the field,” Jackson said following her monumental win.
So when Blessed Trinity Catholic High School’s Riley Jackson was tapped to win the 2021-22 Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year Award, Pugh did the honors of telling her the good news. Her senior year of high school, Pugh was deemed “Player of the Year” by several different organizations, but the Gatorade award is something that she still reflects upon to this day. Pugh was named the 2014-15 Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year, an honor indicative of the best high school athlete in the nation. Mallory’s curriculum vitae after high school listed every top accolade imaginable, but there is one in particular that stands out. As a freshman at Mountain Vista High School, Pugh was named to the All-Colorado Team as a freshman and helped her team to the 5A title and was the MVHS Offensive MVP. In 20, she helped Real Colorado make the Elite Clubs National League finals. At age 13, Mallory was playing for Real Colorado, taking the team to state titles in both 20. Mallory went on to play competitively for Real Colorado in the Elite Clubs National League, just like Brianna did.
The Highlands Ranch, Colorado native began playing for fun at the age of four in her local U-5 league, citing her older sister, Brianna, as her inspiration.
She officially joined the Washington Spirit roster, becoming the first NWSL player to forgo college to join the league.īefore she even set foot on an NWSL field, Mallory Pugh’s projected success was about as universally accepted as gravity.ĬINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 19: Mallory Pugh When the draft happened in January of that year, the 17-year-old Colorado soccer prodigy was still trying to decide her next step: join the roster at UCLA, or head straight for the pros?īy May 13, Pugh had her answer.
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Pugh is listed as an undrafted player in the 2017 NWSL Draft, but the status is no indication of her anticipated production at the professional level. Lavelle, now a star lefty midfielder with OL Reign, also enjoys a coveted spot on the USWNT.Īnd so does her teammate, Chicago Red Stars forward Mallory Pugh. 1 overall spot spent on Rose Lavelle in the 2017 NWSL Draft, aren’t exactly a roll of the dice. The term “bust” exists for a reason, as does the term “sleeper.” But some picks, like the No. Pugh talks about finding upside in a down year, leading to her “favorite year.”Īthlete drafts can always be a bit of a gamble. NWSL/USWNT star Mallory Pugh carries the torch for soccer’s next generation.
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