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Posted: Friday, April 29, 2011

From Boston, With Love

WPSHI, everyone, my name is Leslie Osborne; I'm 27 years old and captain/midfielder for the Boston Breakers in Women's Professional Soccer(WPS). I will be blogging for the next 5 months, so we will be having fun, especially with the Women's World Cup held in Germany. There will be a lot of WPS and World Cup coverage, but also my life off the field. Before I start, here is a little bit more about me:

For those of you who don't know, I'm a Midwest girl, born and raised in Menomonee Falls, WI. I started playing soccer when I was 10 years old and it was not long after that I realized my love and ability for the game. Playing for my state and regional teams by age 11, soon made my mark with the US WNT youth camp when I was 15. The US Youth development program gave me the opportunity for me to play soccer at Santa Clara University.I had an unbelievable experience; a great education, winning a nationalchampionship as a freshman,getting called up to the US WNT full team and having the
best mentor/coach of my career. Unfortunately, before the start of my senior year in college, the WUSA (Former Professional league) had folded. I was lucky enough to playfor the US WNT the next 4 years, hoping that a professional league would come back.

Leslie OsborneIn 2009, this became reality.

I am excited to keep everyone updated on my busy life as a professional athlete. I take it very seriously that I am an ambassador for WPS and role model to many out there. My goal is to have this league continue so other girls have the opportunity. I am also a PUMA athlete, which is very special. I have been with Puma now for 6 years and are a big part of my life. I travel around the country promoting the brand, doing fashion shows as well as a spokesperson for Project Pink. There is not a day that goes by where I am not planning my next project to help promote the game, either for WPS, US WNT or PUMA.
 
Soccer has opened so many doors for me. I have been very lucky and blessed to have traveled the world at a very young age, meet and play with/for my mentors/coaches and form some of my best friendships. I continue to experience, learn and grow every day.

Don't get me wrong, I have gone through many challenges throughout my career. My story would be very different had I not faced many challenges. Some of my biggest:

  • Last cut from the 2004 Olympics
  • Ankle reconstructed after senior season at SCU
  • Tore my ACL 2 months before 2008 Olympics
  • Had double surgery (Left ankle and left knee reconstructed) in 2008
  • Broken collarbone at end of 2010 WPS Season 

The challenges and injuries in my life thus far have been a blessing in disguise. I have been able to step away from the game, sometimes forced sometimes not. When I am not on the field you can find me doing many things. I was very busy in the off-season to say the least. I broke my collarbone at the end of my 2010 season, which gave me an amazing opportunity to train for the NYC Marathon and run for Grassroots Soccer.

  • Leslie OsborneAttempted to run NYC Marathon (long story, for future blog)
  • Commentated WPS final and 1st MLS game
  • Went to Italy/Chicago w/ US WNT team
  • Coached girls program and ran my clinics throughout Boston
  • Played soccer w/a lot of boys, especially older ones. Thank you boys!!
  • Traveled to LA 7 teams- either for Puma or to be with my family
  • Fashion shows for Puma
  • Took a GMAT course to possibly prepare for business school in future
  • Bikram Yogi- kind of

Okay, fast forward and we are already 3 weeks into our season. We won our 1st game in Atlanta but unfortunately lost one of our best players and great friend, Jordan Angeli to an ACL. We have lost our last 2 games and are currently trying to turn things around. Hope your looking forward to a lot more Boston Breaker and my life "off the field."....Off to a fashion show, I'm walking the run way tonight:)

Go Breakers and USA!!!
Leslie

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