Giselle Thompson ’24, a right back for Angel City FC in the NWSL, returned to campus on January 7 to speak about her experience as a professional soccer player at an all-school assembly.
During the assembly, Thompson spoke about her mindset and the importance of a support system. She spoke with her former Varsity Soccer Coach, Richard Simms, about her athletic experience with juggling school and sports.
“It helps to have a support system,” Thompson said.
Thompson emphasized the importance of having friends and family around to support her during her young years. Thompson’s older sister, Alyssa ’23, was also an intense soccer player, and her younger sister, Zoe ’30, also plays soccer. When Thompson went to a national soccer camp without her sister, she made friends who had gone to the camp before. They were younger but more experienced. This made the camp experience miles better and taught her that friends truly enhance the experience.
Thompson shared how being more optimistic and encouraging to herself helps.
While she is still working on this to this day, she feels as though it makes a huge difference during games and practices.
Thompson said that she never thought she would go pro, and instead was always thinking about college.
“As an athlete, this talk inspired me to broaden my goals and have more motivation. She inspired me to be more positive and kind to myself,” said Safiya Gandhi ’29.
