Soccer player Yael Averbuch has played her sport as far as Russia and Sweden, but her biggest accomplishment is homegrown. “For me, representing the United States women’s national soccer team has been my biggest accomplishment,” says the FC Kansas City midfielder. “It is so competitive, and every player in that environment is the absolute best in the world at what they do.”
International athlete
Still, Averbuch appreciates her international experience as well. “I loved playing in Sweden, because I felt that the style of play and approach to the game was very in-line with my personal style and philosophy. I learned a ton about tactics and how to assimilate to living and playing within another culture.”
Eradicating inequality
In any culture, Averbuch thinks gender equality should be improved on the sports field. “Kids of all ages in both genders show interest and potential,” she says. “However, the opportunities and resources allocated to male and female athletes are still skewed. Sports are one of the few fields where we still make excuses for gender inequality and we need to make efforts to eliminate it.”
Healthy living
Skipping excuses and setting goals is also something Averbuch uses to maintain her success. “I’m very motivated by setting goals and working systematically to achieve them,” she says. “The momentum of doing and building these things is addicting!”
She also has advice for all who have the goal of getting fit. “Eat healthy foods and do activities that you enjoy,” she says. “Maximizing your physical condition is all about habits. I don’t believe in extreme diets or exercise routines, because they will not last. It’s all about consistency and building a base of things that become routine and that you enjoy.”
Liane Bonin Starr, [email protected]