More than Trophies

When U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team stalwart Julie Ertz (“JJ”) announced her retirement after their loss to Sweden in the Round of 16 at this year’s World Cup, it gutted me more than the loss itself. In the waning minutes of the game’s extra time, with the score still 0-0, Ertz charged down the field from her center back position to create another passing lane for her teammate, knocking over the Swedish player who stood in her way instead of pivoting away from her. That’s the JJ way. Few are as gritty, determined, versatile and fierce as she is. For years, I’ve watched her with admiration—perhaps because my own athletic career was also marked by constant position switches; perhaps because I too have always been praised for my work ethic rather than for my skills; perhaps because I’ve learned by watching her play, speak, lead that a person’s work ethic is what separates the good from the great.