26. Breaking Barriers: The Story of Mallory Pugh Swanson

Good morning. This is Janae Luciani Senna. And if you are listening right at 8am on a Sunday morning, when the episode drops, which I hope you are, because I hope you're subscribed, you are listening to Visible Panty Lines, the podcast. And these are transparent and inspiring stories of encouragement and inspiration and overcoming adversity. And I have talked to so many guests so far who not only have their own stories, which, I mean, who doesn't have a story, right? So we all have some inspiring story to share. But some of my guests like my guests today. Their work is focused around inspiring and helping others, which is something that really resonates with me because that's pretty much what my work has been like for the past 20 years, and especially the bra aspect of it, and helping women feel better with the right bra and empowering them and in turn, you know, just talking to women out there and really just helping them feel better about themselves. So what's your Cracker Jill story? We'll start off with that.

That's a great question. I. I look at my career and as different. You know, I left school early. I. At a young age. I've always been labeled as one thing. Like, I've been the next man ham this, that. And so I feel like I like having those expectations and those kind of, like, labels on me. I feel like at a young age, I didn't really feel. I, like, didn't really think of anything. But as my career went on, it, like, kind of took a toll on me. And you could say, like, I started to feel the effects of that. And then in 2021, like, I hit some adversity, got injured, rehabbed a little bit, and then came back and got injured again. So then missed out on the. The Olympics that were supposed to be in 2020, but we're in 21, so missed out on that, which I think was probably the biggest blessing in my career that I've had, only because I was able to fully like, remove myself from not only from, like, the national team, but also, like, soccer for a little bit and be able to kind of, like, reassess everything. And so that adversity, like, came. And I think I'll always say, like, I'm, like, so thankful that it did because it changed me and it, like, changed my character. And I learned a lot about myself. I learned a lot about how much support I have from my family and my friends. So, yeah, I feel like it's my career, like, started off, like, really hot and then kind of just like, went Downhill, and then, like, hit this adversity, and then, like, been trying to, like, climb back up.

Yeah, no, that's a great story. And it's funny because I. We were literally just talking about Mia Hamm right before you got on. I interviewed her years and years ago, and when it was in person, you know, like, Ava goes, oh, in person? And I'm like, yeah, there was no zoom.

Like, you're in a room together.

You know what I mean? And it wasn't even. I think I have, like, a printed picture I took with her, because there wasn't even. Like, it's so crazy, but. And I was obviously married to a baseball player, too, you know, Player, too. So I was like, wow, that's.

That's funny.

I wonder if she, like, idolized Mia or whatever.

Yeah, no, I definitely. I definitely looked up to Mia growing up just because of all that she accomplished. And then also, Dansby looked up to Nomar, which is, like, really funny.

Right? I know.

Like, he. Nomar was his favorite player, and then Mia was mine, so.

Oh, my God, that's so cool. And you guys are, like, a power couple. I love that.

So you obviously have played professional soccer for several years now. Especially, like, being so young. I know you, like, touched on it briefly, but what's been your biggest challenge to overcome? Or was it, you know, getting injured? Or was. Was there something else that stands out?

Yeah, I feel like. I feel like two things. I think they, like I said, like, the adversity that came complete, like, individually, that's. That's probably been the hardest thing for me, individually, and then I think collectively, and I've learned this throughout my career, as I've gotten older, more experience is just, like, the game itself and, like, continuing to, like, try and grow it and get it to where it needs to be. So, yeah, I feel like I would definitely say those two things individually and then collectively.

And so are you still. Your injury? Are you still dealing with that now? Or is it. Are you pretty much.

No, no, I'm fully healed, thankfully. Yeah. That's good.

So you were the youngest player ever on the Olympics qualifying team. So tell me about, like, what was that like? And how did people react to you being so young?

Yeah.

Especially other players, you know, who might have been, like, who's this girl?

Yeah, I think definitely there was, like, all eyes were on me at that point, you know? And so I feel like when any. Anytime, like, something like that happens nowadays, and, like, please just, like, give them space, you know, and, like, let them be and let them Develop into who they were made to be. Because, yeah, like, all the eyes were on me. And again, like, my personality, like, I kind of just like, took it and, like, didn't really think anything of it. And then. Yeah, so I definitely think that it was. At the time, it was fine because, like, again, like, I was just having fun playing soccer. But look back at it now, I would definitely say that it was stressful, and I just hope that no one really has to, like, feel that way, you know?

Well, that's, like, a lot of pressure for a young kid, too. So that's got to be really hard to have to have that pressure when you're kind of, like, not mature really enough to even, like, understand it.

Right, right.

You know, almost like a child actor or something who, like, has all this pressure and they're like, whoa. You know, and you're like this phenom athlete. So.

Yeah, you know, I think the pressure, definitely. It didn't directly get to me then, but I think it built up. And then. And then you start, like, putting. I've always been one to, like, always put a lot of pressure on myself.

Yeah.

I think that's what, like, makes great athletes the best, is that they put pressure on themselves and they have high expectations. But there's a certain point where. Where that pressure, obviously, it's like a pressure cooker, like, if there's explode.

So, yeah, I would imagine. It's funny because, like, to that point, my husband was like, you know, athletes put a lot of pressure on themselves, and they really focus on their weaknesses as opposed to other kind of professions. So, like, what did you. What would you say your weakness was? And what did you do to kind of overcome or improve that?

Honestly, I think my weakness was not being me. I think that I, like, strayed away from that. I don't even know who I was, but, like, not being me and then realizing that I like me, like, I am enough, and I can, like, it's gotten me to where I am now. So why don't. Why would I stop doing that? You know?

That's great, because that can really, like, apply to so many areas, like, not just sports. And I feel like, like, in my career, I feel like I have to constantly remind myself, like, oh, be yourself. You know?

Right.

So that's, like, a really great piece of advice and I guess, you know, perspective. So you got married, obviously, in December. We touched on that. So how has your life changed? Changed with this big change?

Yeah, I think there's been a lot of change. I think, obviously, being Married and then now being able to play in the same city. I think change at first can be like, a little bit uncomfortable, but I think that it's. It's for the better and I think that it's all good things, you know. So, yeah, it's definitely been. It's been a lot too because, like, we haven't really even been able to like, see each other that much just because, like, my busy and he's been like, we. We basically have like the same season too. So I think both of us are like, super excited for all the change that has happened. So.

Yeah.

Oh yeah.

So exciting. So as far as like, going back to when you're younger and like, working towards becoming a professional soccer player, like, what age, number one, what age did you know you wanted to do this? And number two, like, how much did you practice to get to that level?

Yeah, I. I don't know if there was like, a specific age that I knew. I think that I always just, like, knew like, I didn't want to. I don't know what I would be doing if I didn't play soccer, to be honest. Like, I have no idea. But yeah, I don't think that there was a specific age. And then I always say, like, when young athletes ask me, like, how can I, like, do. Do this better? Like, I'm like, go and practice. Like, there were so many times after school where I would just like, go to the field by myself and just practice certain things that I thought I was bad at. And then like, I. I actually like, always had soccer ball in the house and like, I would like, dribble from like, room to room with the ball. Yeah. So, like, yeah, I was surrounded. I like, surrounded myself with the game as much as I could.

Yeah, you, like, absorbed every bit of soccer, I would imagine.

Yeah, But I also having like a balance, like, like I still very much like, had a childhood and very much like went out with my friends and did that whole thing because I think, I think too, like, if you're going to get to the highest level, you need to have that balance or it's just going to completely absorb you and eventually you will crack.

So, yeah, that's great advice. I'm probably applying now to your new life as like a wife, you know, that kind of territory. It's like the balance is going to become more important than ever.

Right.

And then I guess the last thing I wanted to ask you is. So we're. I'm gonna. Besides writing about you, I'm going to send this video to my daughters, there's two of them, actually, that are on United Soccer Club U14 travel team. So I would love it if you gave a shout out and any quick piece of advice for these girls that all literally idolize you.

Yeah, I would basically just say, like, continue to, like, work hard. Obviously, I feel like your coaches probably say to you all the time, like, work hard, but it really is something that, like, you won't get anywhere if you don't have that hard work. And then also, like, enjoy, like, being around each other in the relationships. Because I wish I could go back to my U14 team and we still have a group message that we text in probably, like, twice a week. And so, like, I've always said that the relationships in soccer, like, what are so meaningful to me because in any team sport, like, you just have this bond and, like, literally this sounds so cheesy, but, like, you're bonded for life. So, yeah, I would say work hard and just, like, enjoy the time that you guys, like, have to be 14 years old and playing, you know.

That is so great. Thank you so much. And is there anything we missed? Like, I guess. Kelsey, is there anything else that you guys really wanted to add that we didn't talk about?

I can send you a lot of the information. If the Girls are turning 15 before May, we can apply for the I Am Cracker jill award on crackerjill.com so definitely want to plug that for them.

Oh, good. Yeah, they're 13 and 12, so we will absolutely do that.

And it was so nice meeting you. Thank you so much. This was great. And everybody out there, you've been listening to Visible Panty Lines, the podcast, and join us every Sunday morning. New episode drops at 8am.