By way of a YouTube video on my computer screen, I watched Ali Riley talk me through the reasons why she's at peace with her retirement from professional soccer at the end of this NWSL season. And I mean really at peace, joyful even in her reflection on the memories and the journey to get here, and the new phases of life still to come.
She so deeply meant every word that came out of her mouth. I could feel it even through a computer screen. And all of it, the perspective, the gratitude...it all checks out with who she is and who she's always been.
Ali Riley's core values haven't changed in fifteen years
Once upon a time, we slept on the same body ache inducing dorm room mattresses, sang song parodies in a van in Hawaii, and lived in Stanford soccer gear because was it really worth changing for class when you'd be back in the training room in an hour. That Ali loved the game, but perhaps even more importantly, she loved the people alongside her. No one was too difficult or unapproachable for her to befriend.
Not to detract from her physical talent, because she has that in bucketloads, but what makes Ali Riley great is her commitment to and investment in relationships. A trait immensely valuable for team sports and not a bad one to carry with you through life in general.
Ali makes you feel valued, respected, and needed. You also know exactly who she is and what she stands for. She speaks up, not for the sake of making noise, but for lifting up the people around her. She's a true leader. One you don't follow out of fear or obligation, but because you believe in everything she is and everything she wants you as a collective group to achieve.
She's your best friend, and your sister, and your mentor, and your confidant. She has the remarkable ability to be whatever you need her to be. And somehow, the act of giving to so many people doesn't seem to drain her, but rather fills her cup.
Ali Riley is a happy pill in human form, and I'm so thankful to have been swept up in her magical pixie dust even for just a little while.
Yes, she's won championships, yes, she retires leaving the game in a better place than she found it, but above all, she's achieved it all by being the best kind of human.