A Gal with a Goal: Christie Rampone on the Game of Life
As a woman on the verge of 40, you’d think Christie Rampone would start slowing down soon, but this gal has goals as the captain of the United States Women’s National Soccer Team. Her life goes beyond the soccer field, though, as a mom and wife. She truly is one of those women who seems to have it all, so during a recent interview, I asked exactly how she makes it all happen, on the field and off.
As you read below, you’ll come to see that she knows what it takes to be a winner, physically and emotionally, and is willing to put in the effort—and get help when she needs it.
1. You’re one of those gals that people see and think ‘she has it all’…tell me if that’s also how you see it, or if there’s more you dream of or wish for. I have been blessed to having been born with natural athletic ability, but I believe it has been my perseverance and mental toughness that has allowed me to accomplish all I have – both on and off the field.
2. How do you DO it all? Balance is key for me. The importance of doing my job as a soccer player, a mom and a wife is all predicated on doing them all well. If I am unable to fulfill any of three roles, I end up being unsuccessful at all of them. But when I am able to do all three well, everything falls into place. I feel that getting balance is less about putting a measured amount of time into something but more about making the time you put in count. For example, my workouts now are much shorter than when I was young. But I am so much more efficient and productive because of my experience and knowing how to maximize my time and listen to my body.
3. Some people say it’s all about sacrifices…while others say it’s more like a trade-off. How do you see it? Explain. Life is all about trade-offs and sacrifices. Because I travel so much I am forced to make a lot of sacrifices and miss special moments with my family. After a while I learned that these sacrifices are mine to deal with – the kids are fine with it. I always ask them, that if they want me to retire I will so I can be around more. They are adamant that they want me to continue playing. That is because they too appreciate the trade-offs which offers them the rare opportunity to travel the world and experience many things other kids do not.
4. Where do you find the energy to maintain your schedule? The energy is within me to just go, go go. I just don’t ever slow down. As a mother, wife and team captain I just don’t have that luxury to stop. But I love it. It is just who I am.
5. What’s your go-to travel gear that helps make it easier while you’re away? When the kids travel with me the iPad is a life saver. Same for iTunes and Netflix. Ziploc plastic bags are a must for shampoos and other liquids. And when it comes to clothes I keep it simple – sports apparel and casual clothes are all I need.
6. Is there anything you count on to help maintain the family while you’re away? My husband Chris and I have very open and regular communications. We text constantly. When the kids are not with me, we FaceTime to stay in touch. We also have a great support system of neighbors and friends that help out when we are in a bind.
7. And your health…how do you stay in tip top shape? At my age and with all that I have on my plate, I need to work harder at staying healthy inside and out. I’ve always taken care to eat healthy and to exercise regularly. But, after learning about the importance of strengthening my immune health I started taking EpiCor, a safe and natural ingredient found in a variety of vitamins and supplements that helps support my immune system by strengthening a first and second line of defense, increasing antioxidant power and helping your gut. I eat healthy, stay fit, manage stress and take EpiCor to protect my immune health.
I know she has inspired me, and I have a few years on her. If this gal can continue setting and meeting her goals, maybe you can, too.
