Hope Solo faced a tough question at Seattle’s Space Needle while hosting a United States Women’s National Team “#SheBelieves” event ahead of next month’s FIFA World Cup in Canada. It wasn’t from a reporter—but instead from one of the young girls in the crowd, who asked, “Outside the field, what are the biggest setbacks you’ve had?”

It has been a tumultuous season off the field for Hope, one filled with tribulations but also growth, so she took the opportunity to share some of the wisdom she has acquired with the young athletes in attendance.

“The only way to overcome is by enduring,” Hope said. “You may have made a big mistake and you may have made a bad decision, and you pay the consequences for them, but you don’t just give up. You keep going. And you learn from your mistakes.”

The answer was right in line with the USWNT’s #SheBelieves campaign, which is designed to empower young girls to help them accomplish their goals and dreams, both on and off the field. In the last few weeks, as the team prepares for this summer’s World Cup, U.S. Women’s National Team stars have held events in their local communities across the nation to spread the team’s message.

Hope hosted the Seattle-based event along with USWNT and Seattle Reign teammate Megan Rapinoe. One of Hope’s close friends, Rapinoe talked about how spending so much time on the road and away from home can be a challenge for professional athletes like the USWNT members. No. 1 piggybacked on than answer, explaining how teammates must be there to help each other through the tough times they encounter.

“We have played with our teammates for a very long time,” Hope said, “and you see them go through so much. My teammates have seen me go through so much. We all have a lot of personal stuff and we’ve all overcome so much. Sometimes people know about it, other times people have no idea.”

The two USWNT veterans reminisced about their experience in youth soccer and the fun times they have together in the locker room, as well as on the field. While talking about their triumphs on the pitch, they looked forward to the opportunity to add to their legacy in Canada next month.

But in keeping with the #SheBelieves philosophy, Hope explained that there will always be bumps in the road to success, and crossing those barriers is just part of the journey.

“I don’t sugarcoat it,” Hope told reporters later of her answer to the young girl’s question. “It’s not always easy. It’s important for them to know that.”

In addition to the question and answers session, Hope and Megan also took time out to meet and greet with the fans decked out in USWNT and Reign gear, took pictures and signed autographs for all the young girls in attendance.

“Throughout your life, you’re going to continue to learn,” Solo told the crowd. “You’re going to continue to grow. And you’re going to continue to make bigger and better decisions to help pave a wonderful life for (yourself).”

RELATED LINKS

• Hope Solo doesn’t ‘sugarcoat’ her past in offering advice (Seattle Times, May 22, 2015)
• Solo and Rapinoe host special community event today (Sounders Nation, May 22, 2015)
• WNT Launches #SheBelieves Initiative (US Soccer, May 12, 2015)