Olivia Moultrie's journey to professional soccer stardom is a testament to unwavering determination and profound faith. From setting ambitious goals at age seven to successfully challenging the National Women's Soccer League's age restrictions at 15, Moultrie has consistently defied expectations. Now a key player for the Portland Thorns and an emerging talent for the U.S. women's national team, she candidly discusses her relentless drive, the pivotal moments that shaped her career, and how her beliefs as a Latter-day Saint underpin her success both on and off the field.
Moultrie's competitive spirit was evident from a tender age. At just seven years old, she articulated a clear ambition: to become the world's premier soccer player. This early goal laid the foundation for a remarkable career trajectory. By 15, she made headlines by winning a legal battle against the National Women's Soccer League, effectively dismantling age barriers and paving the way for younger talents to enter the professional arena. This landmark achievement not only benefited her but fundamentally reshaped the opportunities available to aspiring female athletes in the league. Her debut with the U.S. women's national team at 18 further underscored her rapid ascent in the sport, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication.
The Portland Thorns midfielder recently sat down with Deseret News reporter Krysyan Edler to delve deeper into her journey. The conversation explored the origins of her extraordinary competitive drive, revealing that her family instilled a mindset where failure was seen as a learning opportunity, not an end. Moultrie recounted instances of her father encouraging her to embrace uncomfortable situations, such as playing with older boys or approaching strangers for a game in a foreign city. These experiences, she believes, were crucial in building her robust self-confidence and preparing her for the challenges of professional sports. Her steadfast belief in hard work and persistent effort has consistently propelled her forward, turning what might seem like impossible feats into achievable milestones.
A significant aspect of Moultrie's life and career is her deeply rooted faith as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She considers her faith, family, and soccer as the three pillars of her existence, with God serving as the foundational backbone for everything she does. Moultrie attributes many of her opportunities and successes to blessings from God, viewing coincidences as divine orchestrations. This spiritual perspective provides her with a sense of purpose and resilience, particularly during difficult times such as injuries or setbacks. She shared that her faith allows her to 'zoom out' and recognize that there are larger forces at play, giving her comfort and perspective amidst the intense pressures of professional sports.
Moultrie's path has been one of continuous growth and learning. She acknowledges the significant learning curve she faced as a young trailblazer in the NWSL, from training with seasoned professionals at 13 to making her professional debut at 15. She emphasizes that these early experiences, though challenging, were instrumental in shaping her into the player she is today. Now, at 20, she feels the game has 'slowed down' for her, allowing her to play more instinctively and enjoy the sport even more. Looking ahead, Moultrie remains ambitious, aiming for individual accolades like MVP awards and a Ballon d'Or, but more importantly, she aspires to leave a lasting legacy as one of the most exciting and impactful players in the history of women's soccer. Her recent success, including scoring twice in her first national team start, highlights her growing influence and her potential to achieve these lofty goals.
Moultrie's commitment to her career extends beyond the pitch. Recognizing the demands of a long and successful career, she actively engages in sport science, injury prevention, and recovery protocols. She also maintains a balanced life with hobbies like reading, spending time with her sisters, and cooking, which provide an essential outlet for decompression and allow her to be 'someone else' outside of her soccer identity. This holistic approach ensures she remains grounded and passionate, reinforcing her belief that her identity is not solely defined by her athletic achievements but by her core values and relationships.
