Laura in goal · Stade de Genève · Photo: Loic Chardonnens
When I was 12, I decided: I'm going to be a pro goalkeeper.
The reactions came fast. "That's not for girls." "You can't make a living from it." "You're so good at school, do something reliable."
I went to the FC Zurich for tryouts anyway. Ninety minutes just me and the goalkeeper coach. I was throwing myself into every ball like my life depended on it. Afterwards he said something to my mother that I've never forgotten: Laura is a little crazy, but that's exactly what it takes in goal.
A year later I heard the words that would follow me for years for the first time: too short. At FCZ, then at GC, always the same verdict. Great technique, two-footed, a leader, no one ever criticised anything that was actually in my control. Only my height.
I could have quit. Instead I made my debut in the highest Swiss league when I was 18 and earned a full scholarship to the U.S. at 20. In the final of the national tournament I was on the bench, until my coach sent me on right before the penalty shootout. First penalty, saved. Second penalty, over the goal. Third penalty, saved. We became national champions, the best team in the country. A few weeks later, my first pro contract was on the table.
Too short? Maybe. But no one gets to decide how big you think.
