Racing Louisville F Bethany Balcer taking a break

Racing Louisvilles Bethany Balcer announced Wednesday that she is taking a break from soccer to focus on herself.

Ive always preached that when soccer is no longer fun, and you dont find joy in doing it, something needs to change, the 28-year-old forward posted on Instagram.

Balcer has scored 42 goals during her NWSL career with the Seattle Reign (2019-24) and Racing Louisville (2024). She was the leagues 2019 Rookie of the Year and helped the Reign win the NWSL Shield and The Womens Cup in 2022.

She was traded to Louisville on Aug. 19, 2024, in exchange for Jaelin Howell and $50,000 in allocation money.

Balcer has been a vocal advocate of the need to take care of ones mental health throughout her career, but said she hasnt been listening to myself for a while.

The last year and a half Ive found my identity slowing (sic) slipping away being consumed with soccer and being a professional athlete. Ive been chasing things that are material, Ive become bitter, and Ive lost my love and joy for the game, she posted.

While that is a sad thing to admit, Im excited to focus on Beth outside of soccer, because its more important than who Beth the soccer player is. In due time, Im confident Ill return to the field with a new passion and energy for doing something I love. Until then, Im gonna keep doing my best, for me.

Racing Louisville opened the NWSL season last Saturday with a 1-1 home draw against the North Carolina Courage. Balcer did not play.

--Field Level Media REUTERS

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