Sauerbrunn Talks About Relationship With Longtime Coach In Players’ Tribune Video

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – With the Women’s World Cup in France just weeks away, Utah Royals and U.S. National Team defender Becky Sauerbrunn discussed the importance role that one coach has had in her career.

In a video posted on The Players’ Tribune, Sauerbrunn appears with her long-time coach and mentor Steve Swanson, who has coached Sauerbrunn for over 15 years.

Swanson and Sauerbrunn have a relationship that dates back to her playing days at both the University of Virginia and on the U.S. National Team. Swanson is the head coach at Virginia and an assistant on the National Team staff.

Winning a World Cup was @beckysauerbrunn's ultimate dream.

Leading up to #WWC2019, The @USWNT defender reflects on the role her coach, Steve Swanson, has played in her soccer journey. #LiveMutual (In partnership with @MassMutual) pic.twitter.com/QOmXFnubeo

— The Players' Tribune (@PlayersTribune) May 30, 2019

The duo have had a lot of success together, making several NCAA Tournament appearances at the collegiate level and winning gold at the 2012 Olympics and taking the crowd at the 2015 World Cup in Canada.

In the video, Sauerbrunn called Swanson her biggest support system.

“In a team sport like soccer, having trust in the people around you is huge,” said Sauerbrunn.

Having coached Sauerbrunn since since was 16, Swanson is proud of the progress that she has made in her career.

Royalty representing the 🔴⚪🔵

Details ➡ https://t.co/fbqEdnNuJj pic.twitter.com/Dyp6iDQUBK

— Utah Royals FC (@UtahRoyalsFC) May 2, 2019

“She became more of a leader, more confident in her abilities, someone who had more of a greater understanding of the entire team,” said Swanson.

The U.S. will begin its World Cup title defense on June 11 against Thailand. The team will start the tournament playing in a group with Chile and Sweden, along with Thailand.

Sauerbrunn is joined on the U.S. squad by Royals teammates Christen Press and Kelley O’Hara.