Before going pro, Kristen Edmonds played D-1 soccer at Rutgers University, the same program that produced Carli Lloyd.

Following in Lloyd's footsteps would have been difficult for some, but as a freshman, Edmonds, like Lloyd, led the team scoring. Edmonds is a rare breed of athlete, one whose path to the pros was paved clear by her versatile play and her ability to excel on both ends of the pitch. Unfortunately, towards the beginning of her professional career, she seriously injured her ankle, and her doctors weren't convinced she'd ever play again. While rehabbing, she got a job at Planet Fitness, exercising before and after every shift with the singular goal of getting back out on the field. Now, she plays alongside Alex Morgan on the Orlando Pride.

In 2016, Edmonds won her team's golden boot award. This accolade, combined with her stellar play all season, caught the attention of the United States Women's National team, who called her up to camp for the first time that year. Hers is a story of perseverance, of never giving up even when she was ready to quit. Her career may not have followed a perfectly straight trajectory, but Edmonds has never let this affect her game, always performing to a high standard no matter where her coach places her on the field. Now with her injury well behind her, she's focused on one thing: winning the NWSL championship. We decided to call her up on one of her few off days and talk strombolis, equal pay, and of course, soccer in this Popdust extended Interview.