For me, it was the family angle. That she would let her guard down about how living with her father was not ideal says so much about her connection with you during the interview. I cannot wait to see her blossom for the USWNT. Nice one, Mr, Wahl.
She's a superstar and you treated her like one. So many people have their doubts or say they haven't seen enough of her brilliance. It's really on them to watch her play and accept her talent as generational.
I loved the family angle. That quote about her father telling Stanford she’d be the greatest player in their history reminded me of that scene in King Richard where Williams, responding to the statement about him having the next MJ, says “No, I got the next two.” Great pull quote.
I guess we see this sort of story more on the men's side, or more frequently, in women's tennis, but it's still incredible to hear the backstory of a family betting on itself and doing so much sacrificing to get to the top, particularly in women's soccer. You can definitely sense some of Catarina's frustrations with her father, and we know all to well the perils of the sports parent-child relationship, and the angle of her doctor mother staying behind to practice medicine and support the family from faraway Brazil is certainly a unique angle.
I hope she finds some of that independence she's looking for, it seems like she's otherwise well-adjusted with a good head on her shoulders (it's wild to hear that the next soccer superstore also has a Stanford degree — in 3 years, no less).
For me, it was the family angle. That she would let her guard down about how living with her father was not ideal says so much about her connection with you during the interview. I cannot wait to see her blossom for the USWNT. Nice one, Mr, Wahl.
She's a superstar and you treated her like one. So many people have their doubts or say they haven't seen enough of her brilliance. It's really on them to watch her play and accept her talent as generational.
I loved the family angle. That quote about her father telling Stanford she’d be the greatest player in their history reminded me of that scene in King Richard where Williams, responding to the statement about him having the next MJ, says “No, I got the next two.” Great pull quote.
Wish I could click a "Thumbs up" all the comments below ;)
Another great story Grant, I love the behind the scenes stuff. I'm looking forward to seeing Catarina on the field more for the US.
LOVED reading about Catarina’s family and their sacrifices. Loved hearing that Catarina was generous with her time. Look forward to more WNT coverage.
I guess we see this sort of story more on the men's side, or more frequently, in women's tennis, but it's still incredible to hear the backstory of a family betting on itself and doing so much sacrificing to get to the top, particularly in women's soccer. You can definitely sense some of Catarina's frustrations with her father, and we know all to well the perils of the sports parent-child relationship, and the angle of her doctor mother staying behind to practice medicine and support the family from faraway Brazil is certainly a unique angle.
I hope she finds some of that independence she's looking for, it seems like she's otherwise well-adjusted with a good head on her shoulders (it's wild to hear that the next soccer superstore also has a Stanford degree — in 3 years, no less).