From binge-watching Gossip Girl to dancing to Taylor Swift, three US women’s soccer stars on the 2024 Paris Olympic Team share their favorite pre- and post-game rituals.
Olympic veterans and key players Crystal Dunn, Emily Sonnett and Rose Lovell spoke with “Good Morning America” at the Team USA Summit earlier this year ahead of preparations for the Paris Games, where the team will be looking to improve on their 2021 bronze medal result.
What’s your favorite music to listen to before a match?
“I’m the team DJ, so my ritual is to get everybody pumped up for the game, and it starts in the locker room, of course,” Dunn said. “I listen to a lot of Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion. I’m a high-energy person, so I need a little boost.”
“I’m a lot of hopping around,” Lavelle says, “but I’m a huge Swift fan.”
Rose Lavelle of the United States plays during the bronze medal match between Australia and the United States in the women’s soccer competition at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics at Kashima Stadium in Kashima, Ibaraki, Japan on August 5, 2021.
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What’s your favorite pre- or post-game meal?
Dan is a self-described “carb-eater,” and before a game he eats pasta to refuel. “Then after the game, I eat cheap food like chicken nuggets and french fries. I worked so hard, so it’s only natural that I should have some french fries after the game.”
Sonnett said her pre-game breakfast preference is “banana pancakes with a little bacon.”
Lavelle said his normal breakfast is “a bagel, but before a game I have pancakes,” adding that after a game he loves pizza.
How do you de-stress after a competition?
U.S. Women’s National Team player Emily Sonnett (No. 14) talks with teammates before a training session at practice field in Tokyo, Japan, on July 29, 2021.
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“I take an ice bath and a shower,” Sonnett said, and then she relaxes by watching reruns of “Gossip Girl.”
“I’m going to sleep,” Lovell said, adding, “I’m going to binge-watch Law.” Always “& order”.
The 29-year-old midfielder from Cincinnati told “GMA” that she can’t travel without her Kindle. “I take it everywhere,” she said.
Who is the first person you call or text after a game?
Dan said it was her husband, but Sonnett said it was her mother or father, “whoever texted me first.”
“These are my best friends,” Lovell said.
What is your best Olympic memory?
Team USA player Crystal Dunn (No. 2) traps the ball before the Australia vs. United States Women’s National Team match at Kashima Stadium, Ibaraki, on July 27, 2021 in Kashima, Japan.
Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images
“Definitely the opening ceremony,” said Dunn, a three-time Olympian. “Just seeing everyone in their costumes and how cool they look, it’s just a really special moment. So it just signals the beginning of a great event.”
“It was fun to watch when the U.S. came back to beat Canada 3-3 in overtime,” she added.
What’s the best coaching advice or motivational quote you’ve received?
“It’s about taking risks. I think in sports there’s always a fear of making mistakes, but you can learn from them and you don’t have to be afraid,” Dunn said. “You have to be able to take risks and be able to push your limits.”
What other Olympic sports are you most looking forward to watching in Paris?
Sonnett and Dunn said they are both looking forward to cheering on the U.S. team in track and field, while Lovell said she can’t wait to watch the gymnastics competition.
