'With sun and moon, sky isn't the limit:' NC Courage player, mom talks about soccer, her son
North Carolina Courage, the professional women's soccer team, will launch its second season in Cary this coming weekend with a game against the Portland Thorns.
The powerhouse team did well in its first year in Cary, winning 16 games in the regular season and taking home the National Women's Soccer League Shield, which is given to the team with the best regular season record in the league.
For my soccer-loving family, the team's home games offer all kinds of family fun - from face painting and a life-sized billiard table with soccer balls to the opportunity to watch these incredibly athletic women win - a lot. Among them is Jessica "Jess" McDonald, a forward and UNC-Chapel Hill graduate, who won two National Championships at Carolina.
McDonald's soccer career has taken her around the country and the world. In 2016, she earned her first call up on the U.S. Women's National Team, debuting in a game against Romania. Last year, she participated in the team's training camp. For the Courage in 2017, she played 21 games, starting 11 and scoring four goals and three assists.
On and off the field though, McDonald has another big role: mom to Jeremiah, her young son. As part of our weekly local mom features, here's a Q&A with McDonald about her job on the field and in life.
Go Ask Mom: You're not from North Carolina, but you attended Carolina before your soccer career took you around the world. What's it like to be back in North Carolina - especially with your son? Does it feel like home?
Jess McDonald: Of course it feels like home simply because I came back here knowing the ins and outs of North Carolina. It’s always been a very comfortable place for me. My son has adjusted very well here. He’s been enjoying his school and all of his friends as well. The kid is completely high on life.
GAM: You've had a big couple of years - a call up to the national team in 2016 and a great season with the Courage last year. What are your goals for your career and the Courage this season?
JM: My goals this year for my career is to make the roster for the U.S. National when they qualify for the next World Cup. I believe that the sky is not the only limit when there is a sun and a moon. I’ve got something to work very hard for simply because I am a mom. My goals the season for the Courage is to improve day in and day out as an individual and as a teammate.
GAM: Your son is in kindergarten. How has being a mom changed the way you think about your soccer career?
JM: It has changed in many ways because I am taking care of another human being. Since I am a mom and professional athlete, I feel as if I have something more to prove. So, it forces my mindset to do better and better each day as a mom and as a pro footballer.
GAM: Lots of parents worry about their kids' activities - should they start a sport very young, should they focus on one or get involved in a whole bunch of sports. What's your recommendation? What would you say to parents who are fretting about this?
JM: I would say, put your kid in any and everything. I was a multi sport athlete growing up and eventually I had to focus on one sport. So, I’d say, let your kid experience many different activities and let them pick one or two to really focus on in the future.
GAM: What do you love about soccer? What keeps you going and passionate about the game?
JM: I love the competitiveness about soccer. It’s such a creative sport that I continue to learn new things each year as I play. My kid is what keeps me going because one day I want him to say, “Mommy, I am proud of you."
Tickets, which start at $14, are on sale now for the Courage's games. The season runs through Sept. 8. Home games take place at Cary's WakeMed Soccer Park.
Its season opener against the Portland Thorns is 3:30 p.m., Saturday, March 24, at the soccer park. Theteam's website has more information.
Go Ask Mom features local moms every Monday.
