58-Keelin Winters Pattillo, on dealing with pressure, overcoming burn-out, and living in a campervan while playing pro soccer

In this episode, I interview firefighter, former professional soccer player, and farmer Keelin Winters Pattillo. 

Keelin is a force of nature. It appears as though everything she touches turns into a success. I believe Keelin accomplishes whatever she puts her mind to because she’s one the most disciplined people I know. 

Keelin grew up living in a multitude of cities around the US, as her father was a NBA coach and was constantly on the move. Although her 5 siblings chose to dedicate themselves to basketball, the sport wasn’t physical enough for Keelin. So, she chose to play soccer. 

Keelin went on to play at University of Portland, earning West Coast Conference Player of the Year. She won a goal medal in the U-20 World Cup. She was drafted 6th overall in the WPS to the Boston Breakers. She’s played overseas with FFC Turbine Potsdam in Germany and the Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia. She played four years with Seattle Reign FC, winning two NWSL Shields, for finishing 1st in regular season play. She also earned a contract with full US national team. 

On most of those teams, she wore the captains armband, a testament to Keelin’s supreme focus and leadership skills. 

In this episode we talk about:

• why she chose to spend her honeymoon with her wife Paige living in a camper van while playing in Australia

• what it was like having five siblings, a disciplinarian mom, and an NBA-coaching dad

• how she’s in even better shape than when she was playing professionally because of living on a farm

• her decision to get dreadlocks in college and how they helped her find herself 

• the make-you or break-you pressure of US national team camp 

• why she retired even though she was in her prime

• the advice her sports psychologist gave her that helped immensely when she was feeling burnt out 

And more! 

Listen on iTunes HERE 

Resources

Follow Keelin on instagram HERE

Join Friday Feelz HERE

A list of the 11 books that have had the biggest impact on my life as an athlete HERE

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