Who is Croix Bethune? Croix Bethune is a rising star in women's soccer, known for her exceptional skills and resilience. Born on March 14, 2001, in Alpharetta, Georgia, she grew up in a military family, which instilled a strong work ethic and determination. Starting soccer at a young age, she honed her skills in England, playing with boys' teams due to the lack of girls' teams. Her journey includes standout performances in college soccer for USC and the Georgia Bulldogs, leading to her selection by the Washington Spirit in the 2024 NWSL Draft. Bethune's impressive career also features a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics with the USWNT.
Key Takeaways:
- Croix Bethune's diverse upbringing and early exposure to soccer in different cultures shaped her into a versatile and skilled player, leading to success in both college and professional soccer.
- Despite facing significant injury challenges, Croix Bethune's resilience and exceptional talent have propelled her to become a standout player in professional soccer and a key member of the United States national team.
Early Life and Family Background
Croix Bethune's journey in soccer began with a unique upbringing that shaped her into the player she is today.
- Born on March 14, 2001, in Alpharetta, Georgia, Croix Bethune grew up in a military family. Her parents, Richard and Jean Bethune, served in the United States Air Force.
- The military lifestyle meant frequent moves, exposing Bethune to various cultures and styles of play. This nomadic life helped her develop versatility on the field.
Soccer Beginnings
Bethune's early exposure to soccer laid the foundation for her future success.
- She started playing soccer at the tender age of three or four. Her family's frequent relocations allowed her to experience different soccer environments.
- During a three-and-a-half-year stay in England, Bethune played with boys' teams due to the lack of girls' teams. This experience significantly honed her skills.
Development in England
Living in England played a crucial role in Bethune's soccer development.
- Practicing at an indoor facility in London, she would bounce the ball off the walls to improve her control and vision. This unique training method helped her recognize and exploit spaces on the field.
Club Soccer Experience
Bethune's club soccer career showcased her talent at a young age.
- She played for the ECNL's Concorde Fire Soccer Club in Atlanta. Her performance earned her a spot on the national Best XI in 2017 and 2018.
- At Alpharetta High School, she played only one season but continued to excel, further proving her prowess on the field.
College Soccer Career
Bethune's college career was marked by numerous accolades and standout performances.
- She played for both the USC Trojans and the Georgia Bulldogs. Twice named first-team All-American, she demonstrated exceptional skills at the collegiate level.
- At USC, she led the team in points, goals, assists, and shots. Her performance earned her titles like Pac-12 Midfielder of the Year and Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week multiple times.
Awards and Accolades
Bethune's college career was filled with recognition and honors.
- She was a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy in 2021 and named to the United Soccer Coaches All-America First Team in 2021 and 2022.
- Her impressive performance earned her spots on the All-Pacific Region First Team and First Team All-Pac-12.
Injury History
Despite her success, Bethune faced significant challenges with injuries.
- She tore her ACL in high school and again in her freshman year of college. Her resilience and ability to bounce back from these setbacks are commendable.
Professional Career
Bethune's transition to professional soccer has been nothing short of spectacular.
- In the 2024 NWSL Draft, the Washington Spirit selected her third overall. She quickly made a name for herself in the league.
- Leading the NWSL in assists, she set a record for the fastest player to achieve eight assists in just 11 matches. Her early success earned her the rookie of the month honor for three consecutive months.
International Career
Bethune's international career began at a young age and continues to flourish.
- She has been part of the United States national team's youth system since she was 13 years old. She helped win the 2016 CONCACAF Girls' U-15 Championship and was named to the tournament's Best XI team.
- She also played for the winning team at the 2018 CONCACAF Women's U-17 Championship and competed at the 2018 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.
Senior International Debut
Bethune's senior international debut marked a significant milestone in her career.
- She made her senior international debut in 2024, representing the United States at the under-15 and under-17 levels before being called up to the senior team.
- She was part of the team that won the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, making her Olympic debut in the third group stage game against Australia.
Personal Life and Interests
Off the field, Bethune has a vibrant personal life and unique interests.
- Known for her fashion sense, she often treats the world like a catwalk, showcasing her style on Instagram. She is also a sushi enthusiast, thanks to her Washington Spirit teammate, Paige Metayer.
- Despite being only 5’2″, Bethune's tenacity and skill on the field are undeniable. She is also a proud puppy parent to her blue-eyed bully breed dog, Kush.
Croix Bethune: A Name to Remember
Croix Bethune's journey from playing soccer with boys in England to becoming a standout in the NWSL and a gold medalist at the Olympics is nothing short of inspiring. Her resilience through injuries, her impressive college career, and her rapid rise in professional soccer showcase her determination and talent. Bethune's unique playing style, marked by creativity and vision, sets her apart on the field. Off the field, her fashion sense and love for sushi add to her vibrant personality. As she continues to make her mark with the Washington Spirit and the USWNT, Bethune's future looks incredibly bright. Her story is a testament to hard work, passion, and the power of following one's dreams. Keep an eye on Croix Bethune—she's just getting started.
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