#Chicago red stars players how to

Angel Brutus recently spoke on a mental health and wellness panel, hosted by the WNBA’s L.A. What happens off the pitch can also impact what happens on it. Rachel Daly (Photo Copyright Lucas Muller) “I think people’s mental health is really affected through these times - and through all times, but more so through these times - and it’s important for me to use my platform to sort of help in that sense.” I think it’s a tough time for a lot of people and obviously the way the climate is right now, it’s not good,” said Daly, who joined the Pass It On campaign started by Sarah Gorden, which donates to a mental health program in Chicago. “This has been an absolute nightmare over the past few months. No one in the league has been exempt from the stress or anxiety, even as the Challenge Cup began nearly three weeks ago. Players have spoken out about how they’ve been navigating that while playing in the NWSL. All of which adds up and can take a significant mental toll.īefore anyone arrived in Utah, the COVID-19 pandemic, and national reckoning on police brutality and racism - which brought uncomfortable conversations and added stress for Black Americans - led to a disruption of ‘normal life’ in America. Plus, there’s the ‘normal’ pressure of playing soccer at the highest level - on turf in the sometimes more than 90-degree Utah heat. Interaction with friends on other teams isn’t allowed. She says the team spends most of the day out of the room for training, gym sessions, recovery periods, meetings and meals.īut NWSL players and staff are quarantining in a facility in which the farthest they can venture out is the parking lot. “You’re not used to being cooped up in a hotel room, especially it’s not even your own home.”

#Chicago red stars players how to

Her teammate, Shea Groom, taught her how to juggle on the plane ride from Houston, and Daly kept up the hobby while in the NWSL athlete village.īut after being in that “bubble” for some time, the reality of the relatively isolated living situation began to sink in. She has played a ton of Mario Kart and ping pong, and she is frequently on her Nintendo Switch. Rachel Daly has done her best to keep busy in Utah during the 2020 National Women’s Soccer League Challenge Cup.