Carli Lloyd's success

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I can recall reading several articles, some quoting professional youth coaches in European soccer clubs, some addressing American athletes in other sports, all saying the same. That is this total focus on their sport and the willingness to sacrifice all else for their sport. Is there any difference between Lauren Holiday and Carli Lloyd in terms of physical talent? IMO there isn't. But Holiday has determined at age 27 she is no longer willing to give up her personal life for soccer. There are lots of athletes with ability that make that decision even earlier. That's why the experts say the final element in determining who makes it and who doesn't is mental toughness. Mental toughness to include self discipline and perseverance.

[Unregistered]

I can recall reading several articles, some quoting professional youth coaches in European soccer clubs, some addressing American athletes in other sports, all saying the same. That is this total focus on their sport and the willingness to sacrifice all else for their sport. Is there any difference between Lauren Holiday and Carli Lloyd in terms of physical talent? IMO there isn't. But Holiday has determined at age 27 she is no longer willing to give up her personal life for soccer. There are lots of athletes with ability that make that decision even earlier. That's why the experts say the final element in determining who makes it and who doesn't is mental toughness. Mental toughness to include self discipline and perseverance.

And maybe a little selfishness too. It has to be all about you.

[Unregistered]

Which is why elements on this site always see the parents of the highly successful players as moonbats. Those parents are willing to go where those elements can't/won't and that pisses them off. They'd much rather everyone applaud them for pulling their child out of the race and settling for the plastic trophy.

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And maybe a little selfishness too. It has to be all about you.

When you get to the truly elite levels of many sports (and even other activities), the single-mindedness and obsession with improving, finding an extra edge, and competing has a downside. How many non-fluff biographies about great athletes like Michael Jordan, Pete Rose, Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio, Tiger Woods, etc. reveal a driven individual that is really not very likable. Selfish, nasty, mean-spirited, obsessive; it's part of what makes these performers so special.

It does make one really appreciate those exceptions that reach the very top and manage to be genuinely nice people.

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When you get to the truly elite levels of many sports (and even other activities), the single-mindedness and obsession with improving, finding an extra edge, and competing has a downside. How many non-fluff biographies about great athletes like Michael Jordan, Pete Rose, Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio, Tiger Woods, etc. reveal a driven individual that is really not very likable. Selfish, nasty, mean-spirited, obsessive; it's part of what makes these performers so special.

It does make one really appreciate those exceptions that reach the very top and manage to be genuinely nice people.

Heard Tom Brady on WEEI earlier this year. He was being asked about his diet, his workout regimen etc. The hosts were stating that he basically lived like a monk. He stated that he rarely put anything into his body that would not help him get better. When asked about alcohol, he said something to the effect that he would have a drink on special occasions, and that everything was OK in moderation but that having 1 drink a few times a year was moderation and anything beyond that was not. I think Brady has proven that mental discipline is likely more important than physical talent.

[Unregistered]

Heard Tom Brady on WEEI earlier this year. He was being asked about his diet, his workout regimen etc. The hosts were stating that he basically lived like a monk. He stated that he rarely put anything into his body that would not help him get better. When asked about alcohol, he said something to the effect that he would have a drink on special occasions, and that everything was OK in moderation but that having 1 drink a few times a year was moderation and anything beyond that was not. I think Brady has proven that mental discipline is likely more important than physical talent.

And that is why I rather be Gronk. He aint no monk.

[Unregistered]

There probably should be two, three or maybe four Talking Soccers, just so that it can be clear what viewpoint and level of commitment people are talking from when they post. This Lloyd thread hints at the disconnect.

A third group is much smaller, maybe a dozen players in any age group. At the younger, pre-college recruiting ages, this group has players that stand out in most games that they play. They get invited to special camps or onto special teams occasionally, so the kids see the super-elite players up close from time to time. This group expects to play in the ACC or Pac12 in college, until recruiting realities drop down on them at U16 or so. They see the Carly Lloyd story as admirable, and would seek to emulate it if they really had the same level of [BOLD]athletic talent[/BOLD].

It is not always about athletic talent for these players. For some of them they have the talent, they do not have the over the top commitment to bring it to the next level.

This happens in the professional world too.

There is a holy trinity of natural born physical/mental gifts, financial resources (parental or scholarships), and inner drive that makes up Category #4. Anyone of the legs are missing and the stool will fall.

[Unregistered]

It is not always about athletic talent for these players. For some of them they have the talent, they do not have the over the top commitment to bring it to the next level.

This happens in the professional world too.

There is a holy trinity of natural born physical/mental gifts, financial resources (parental or scholarships), and inner drive that makes up Category #4. Anyone of the legs are missing and the stool will fall.

Good point. Check the backgrounds of the WNT and you'll find very few paupers.

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Good point. Check the backgrounds of the WNT and you'll find very few paupers.

Many Olympians as well. Years and years of specialized training cost megabucks. Many sacrifice a decent education to go live near some training center or school. Tremendous family sacrifices as well.

I think part of the fascination is that for the few success stories like Lloyd there will be others who do similar but still don't reach that pinacle of success. Most of those looking in from the outside are more afraid of trying and failing than living with the regret of never trying at all. They can't understand it which is why they aren't doing it.

[Unregistered]

There probably should be two, three or maybe four Talking Soccers, just so that it can be clear what viewpoint and level of commitment people are talking from when they post. This Lloyd thread hints at the disconnect.

One group has kids playing club soccer as an activity - maybe a favorite activity. They may not be on a top team or aspire to college soccer, but their kids play on a team, support the team, and we'll see where it goes over time. To them, a player like Lloyd is hard to understand, and the drive and commitment evidenced in this article is foreign. She sounds like a psycho, and many of them are happy that their kids will not be this way.

A second group is more committed to soccer, and their kids are more committed, and are talented enough to play on one of the stronger teams. Their kids will be good high school players and be good enough to consider playing in college. To them, a player like Lloyd might be something they've heard about or seen every now and then in a tournament, but they can't really relate. They're probably pretty happy with how things are going, and wouldn't seek to change much about their soccer experiences.

A third group is much smaller, maybe a dozen players in any age group. At the younger, pre-college recruiting ages, this group has players that stand out in most games that they play. They get invited to special camps or onto special teams occasionally, so the kids see the super-elite players up close from time to time. This group expects to play in the ACC or Pac12 in college, until recruiting realities drop down on them at U16 or so. They see the Carly Lloyd story as admirable, and would seek to emulate it if they really had the same level of athletic talent.

A fourth group is maybe 1 or 2 kids every 5 years. They are the players with the legitimate talent and potential to be an NT player. They are the Mewis's, Andrews, Brocks, etc., and to them, Lloyd is a role model.

The messy fun part about TS is that all these people are thrown in together, and the masses in groups 1 and 2 have no idea what life is like for the select few, and the ignorance and jealousy bleeds into every thread.

Well said... Too many people throw every player and family in the same pot, not knowing anyone's true motives and it is a disservice to player and families. I agree these groups can be broken down even more, but I think this is a great representation at a high level.

[Unregistered]

great article. thanks for posting

[Unregistered]

Nice interpretation. What's the next argument you'll be making? "If her mother was lying on the kitchen floor with a severed arm, she'd walk right past her and say, 'sorry Mom, I'm late for training'"? Please try to work on your reading comprehension.

Chris Evert, a good Catholic girl, decided to abort her baby, sending boy friend Jimmy Connors packing, but maintaining her athletic trajectory. Good role model?

[Unregistered]

Chris Evert, a good Catholic girl, decided to abort her baby, sending boy friend Jimmy Connors packing, but maintaining her athletic trajectory. Good role model?

And you apparently are a judgmental Christian. Clearly you don't realize that abortion was not a sin until recently. Pregnancy termination was quite common in 19th century and earlier. The issue did not become a religious matter until very recently.

Read and cite he New Testament and tell me where it says that abortion or for that matter gay marriage is a sin.

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And you apparently are a judgmental Christian. Clearly you don't realize that abortion was not a sin until recently. Pregnancy termination was quite common in 19th century and earlier. The issue did not become a religious matter until very recently.

Read and cite he New Testament and tell me where it says that abortion or for that matter gay marriage is a sin.

Actually I'm non Christian and pro choice. But it is still an important choice. Losing a fiancé and kid is a tough decision.

[Unregistered]

Most of these people have little balance in their lives. And it is not just athletes. Entrepeneurs, CEO's, Special Forces, Politicians, Doctors, and Celebrities all are very driven people who ignore normal family commitments, have very little time for friends, and are often poor spouses, parents and children due to their maniacal commitment to their chosen field. Their "friends" are all work related.

I am guessing Bill Belichek wasn't spending a ton of time at home cleaning up after dinner and helping the kids with their homework. Same for Jack Welch. Even when they are "relaxing" it is often work related. Charity golf tournaments, spending time with fellow driven people. When their personal relationships "work" it is with the understanding that these people have severe limitations and that their primary focus will always be on their career.