Christie Pearce Rampone's life story exemplifies how humility, perseverance, and hard work can be the perfect formula for success, on and off the field. It's not always about lifting the trophy or the gold medal, but the lessons you learn when you lose as well. When you need to "pivot" some of the best opportunities arise and they can lead to some of your biggest successes.
One of the most legendary players in the history of international soccer, Christie retired in 2017 and has transitioned to being an author, prominent sports broadcaster, keynote speaker and soccer coach.
A Point Pleasant, NJ native, Christie attended Monmouth University on a basketball scholarship and was their starting point guard, walking on to the school's soccer team. During her senior year, then U.S. Women's National Team head coach Tony DiCicco called her into the USWNT camp in January of 1997 AND transitioned her to a defender from an attacking college player college. Christie was rarely out of the starting lineup for the next 19 years, starting in 272 of her 311 caps, the second-highest in international soccer, for both men or women.
Known for her lead by example approach to the game, Christie, known as "Captain America" word the armband from 2008 until she retired in 2017. She won three Olympic Gold Medals (2004, 2008, 2012), and played in five Women's World Cups (1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015), winning two (1999, 2015), making her one of the most decorated players in US history.
professional leagues (New York Power - WUSA 2001-2003; Sky Blue FC and MagicJack SC -WPS 2009-2011; and Sky Blue FC - NWSL 2013-2017). She also served as the head coach of Sky Blue FC in 2009 (while still playing as the captain), leading the team to an improbable Women's Professional Soccer championship. Oh yeah, and she did it all while she was pregnant with her second daughter, Reece.
Since hanging up her boots, Christie has done broadcast work for FOX Sports, including its coverage of the US Women's National Soccer Team, the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and other matches.
Christie recently teamed up with clinical and sports neuropsychologist, and fellow sports mom, Dr. Kristine Keane, to co-author Be All In: Raising Kids for Success in Sports and Life, sharing practical, real world advice on how to handle the pressures felt by youth athletes, parents, and coaches today, providing kids with their best shot at reaching their goals.
While she may be called Captain America or Soccer Super Mom, Christie has always made sure that she left "it on the field” and didn’t bring it home, the wins or the losses. When it was time to be mommy, she dedicated those moments to being present, so that she is a whole person, understanding that when the workday ends or training is over, your personal health and family need to be the priority. Christie gives her tips on how to do that, weaving in personal stories.
For some, mental toughness comes naturally; others look to develop it. This talk provides mental strategies all can use to increase perseverance when faced with adversity, maintain composure and consistency under pressure, and face transitional moments with a sense calm and confidence. Christie talks about the characteristics of effective leadership, motivation, and how to deal with unexpected shifts in on the field or in business. Participants will learn strategies to effectively cope with changes
Performance anxiety usually stems from a fear of failure or the unknown. Christie talks about developing awareness of your inner voice, provide practical guidelines for boosting confidence and to use mental and physical preparation to reduce fear. The goal of this talk is to help develop a unique growth mindset. She answers questions on topics such as confidence, attention and focus, conquering a fear of failing, reducing negative chatter, and providing strategies for peak performance.
Most athletes know how to use their voice, but when emotions run high during games, and even practices, authentic communication may be lacking. Christie talks about how to have necessary and "hard" conversations. When things are good, communication is easy, but when teams face losses or adversity, communication may take a back seat. Christie takes take a deep dive into why we avoid "hard" conversations, and how to talk openly and effectively.