23 STORIES

In this episode of 23 Stories, Presented by Volkswagen, U.S. forward Alex Morgan shares her story of a summer studying in Madrid, Spain during her time at UC Berkeley. The experience playing pick-up with the locals and being immersed in a rabid soccer culture had a lasting impressing on her, fueling her passion for the game and spurring her desire to make a monumental impact on the game back home, both on and off the field. It's a goal she certainly has met.

In this episode of 23 Stories, presented by Volkswagen, U.S. WNT forward Carli Lloyd shares the keys to her success and they are pretty simple : take your talent, apply hard work and a zealous dedication to the sport, and dreams can come true. One of the most driven players in U.S. WNT history, Lloyd has always refused to sit on her laurels, but as she approaches her final World Cup, she'll take a moment to enjoy the journey and thank all those who have helped her achieve so much success.

Every player has a coach who was vitally important in their growth as a player. In this episode of 23 Stories, presented by Volkswagen, U.S. WNT midfielder Rose Lavelle shares the impact that the coach of her first club team - Neil Bradford -- had on her. Neil sadly passed away three years ago, but Rose credits him for helping foster the creative side of her game which has made her a fan favorite and helped earn her a spot on her first World Cup Team.

In this episode of 23 Stories, presented by Volkswagen, U.S. WNT goalkeeper Adrianna Franch shares her upbringing of growing up in a small town in Kansas with a single mom and two siblings. Getting a home from Habitat for Humanity changed their lives, and sent her on a path to where she is today. The first player from Kansas ever to make a U.S. Women's World Cup Team, her experiences as a child also laid a foundation for how much she values family and community in her everyday life.

In this episode of 23 Stories, presented by Volkswagen, U.S. WNT defender Ali Krieger shares her journey of the last two years spent away from the National Team. After an initial rough period, she focused on what she could control, which was her performance and mentality, and credits that positive attitude in helping her be ready when the call did come. it's a mindset that has added to the appreciation of this new adventure with her teammates as they attack another World Cup title.

n this episode of 23 Stories, presented by Volkswagen, U.S. WNT defender Becky Sauerbrunn gives us insight into why she likes to stay out of the spotlight, but also understands the tremendous amount of mental and physical energy it takes to be successful at the top levels. Her escape from the grind? Reading. A pastime she is passionate about and one that helps her see the world in better, different and more fulfilling ways.