USWNT Star Crystal Dunn Explains Desire To Be Face Of Women's Soccer

On Saturday USWNT star Crystal Dunn opened up about her recent Forbes interview where she talked about wanting to become the face of women's soccer.

"The comments I made in the article were more geared towards the idea that I think the face of women's soccer today still is a white woman," said Dunn on the reason to speak out now about the face of women's soccer. "I think that we have to get over the idea that it is the only face that should be the representation of this sport. For me, it doesn't even have to be me. But I think that I am the one to push those boundaries and say we need to change the narrative that only white women play this sport, that only white people play this sport. So, why I felt so strongly about the article that I did was everything that I do on the field, every-time I carry myself from the training field into games. It's not such much my success but it's the success of others coming after me. I want to be very clear that whether it is me who is ever considered a face of women's soccer that really isn't my goal. My goal is for black women coming after me that they even have a chance to be the face of this sport."

The 28-year-old has 107 international caps for the U.S. and has 37 club goals between the National Women's Soccer League and the FA Women's Soccer League.

In her time with the national team, Dunn has primarily played left-back and has scored 24 goals and tallied 18 assists. It was really in 2018 that she solidified herself with USWNT and has become a fixture in recent years and a major factor in the 2019 Women's World Cup. Without a doubt, Dunn is a star and one of the brightest in the sport.

Willing To Play Left Back But Not Ideal

While many who watch USWNT play see Dunn playing at left-back her natural position is that of an attacking player. In the NWSL Dunn has won the league MVP, Golden Boot, and a three-time NWSL Best XI.

"I transform into a different player basically when I am in this environment because I know my role is different," said Dunn on living a double-life as a player. "When I go to a club, I am almost feeling like more of myself. Playing freely, getting involved in the attack, and just expressing myself in the way that I always thought I should be expressing myself."

It is not that Dunn is unwilling to play left-back for the National Team. She made it abundantly clear that she will do whatever it takes to be on the field and help the team win. Her overall intention of her Forbes article was letting fans and people know that it's not something she is always happy with. Saying she isn't "happy on the inside" in playing at left-back.

Ultimately the question does become the overall roster around her with the national team. Her versatility as a soccer player and her success at left-back for the national team has put her in this position. She is in essence a victim of her own success.

USWNT Watch Judas and the Black Messiah As A Team

With the national team in camp in Florida it has allowed the team to come together once more. A few nights ago the team watched the movie Judas and the Black Messiah.

"It was incredible," said Dunn on the team watching Judas and the Black Messiah. " I am so happy that we had the opportunity to watch it as a team. I think it is really important that people become even more educated on matters that they probably weren't educated on in school."

"There is a reason we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day but we don't really talk about Malcolm X and Black Panthers. I think it was a really great opportunity for people to understand the Civil Rights movement wasn't about only holding hands, it wasn't about marching. It was about intense moments where it didn't seem pretty and it didn't look great. But, ultimately speaking those are important lessons that we all need to learn and I think watching it as a team was incredible."

Following the movie, Dunn and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher noted that conversations have been sparked between teammates.

"It's one thing to have discussions but I think the next step is going to be a little bit more impact, where do we go from here and more actionable steps as a team and as individuals," said USWNT Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.