Tell us about yourself: Where are you from; How long have you been playing soccer?

I'm originally from Cincinnati, Ohio and started playing soccer when I was 6. Played a lot of sports growing up and soccer just won my heart. My brother, Brian, and I grew up competiting in everything and soccer was his sport of choice also so it made for some good 1 vs. 1 battles in the backyard.
Went to University of Florida and won a National Championship my junior year and played 3 years professionally for the Philadelphia Charge. That's how I got my chance with the National Team and have been competiting since! Its been an amazing ride.

What are your proudest athletic achievements?

Either my National Championship at University of Florida or winning Gold in Athens.

Tell us a bit about your training routine and what it entails; anything special that you need to do as an athlete to train for soccer vs. other sports?

Our season is typically 11 months out of the year. We train a ton and its all about high intensity training and fitness training. Practices are usually 2 hours max but a lot of times we have two a day. Soccer is an endurance sport so fitness is huge for us, and we monitor our heart rate every practice. We weight train twice a week to either gain or maintain strength. The closer we get to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing we will start to taper and hope that all of our hard work will pay off. We have to take really good care of our bodies to perform at this level for each practice and game. We travel a lot so we basically live out of our suitcases! Its all about adjusting to the environment and performing under pressure. We love what we do so its all worth it!

How important is MSK health and fitness to a soccer player?

I'm coming back from an ACL tear which I suffered last year. When I heard about the musculoskeletal research program for ultrasound equipment with GE Healthcare, I was so thrilled that technology like this is finally around, but more importantly here for our use. We now have early intervention and health monitoring to prevent injury and enhance our health.

MRI's and Xrays take way too long for results and portable ultrasound allows us to find out live results. With the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing right around the corner and competition for a roster spot still in the air, every second counts for us. Injury diagnosed and treated as fast as possible makes all the difference.

What are your thoughts about GEHC working with US Soccer to understand the MSK health of its athletes?

Its great because we learn about our bodies so we can push ourselves to get the most out of training and competition. US Soccer wants to put the best team on the field to win, hopefully the research offered by GE will keep us healthy and competiting at the highest level.

How will GEHC's portable ultra sound technology benefit you personally?

Injury diagnosed and treated as fast as possible makes all the difference. The biggest difference is being able to see the results live. I know right then and there whether I can go play or if its better to not push it and avoid further injury. We are all so competitive so we want to practice even when we have a little injury but sometimes we make it worse. The ultra sound will give us the answer right then!

What is it like to prepare for the Olympic Games?

Intense but worth every minute of it.

How will you feel to represent your country if you are selected for the 2008 Women's National Team?

Amazing. I was a part of the 2004 team and so I know how amazing the experience is. After missing the World Cup last year with my ACL, coming back to make this team would make it that much sweeter. My entire motivation during my rehab process was making this team. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

Why is health so important to you?

I'm an elite athlete and in order to perform at the highest level health is everything. I'm not getting any younger and I've had my fair share of injuries so I want to do everything possible to be as healthy as I can! That's why I'm thrilled about the research offered by GE to the US Olympic Committee. It just makes sense!