Laura Flynn started playing soccer at age 5 and played competitively until college—and she long dreamed of one day being a pro soccer player.
The problem was, while growing up and improving as a player, there was no league for women in the United States.
Flash-forward to 2014 and the National Women's Soccer League—the NWSL, as it is known—is a nine-team organization, from Boston to Seattle.
The Chicago Red Stars are now in its sixth season, and Flynn is in her first as the team's director of marketing and communications. Flynnie, as she's known, moved to Chicago this past December after living in Portland, San Francisco, New York and Boston. She is originally from Philadelphia.
Flynn, 31, lives in West Town and is openly gay.
"Now, I have the opportunity to be part of that very league I dreamed of one day playing in. It's my job now, and my privilege, to make it sustainable so other girls can live out their same dream," she said.
Flynn's playing career was stalled by serious injuries, and when she stepped away from the sport, "it changed the game for me," she said. "I see it in a new light. And now I am able to understand the game from the player's perspective, and the fans—because I've been both."
Flynn came out to most of her friends in her early or mid-20s, and a few years later to her family. "Almost everyone I told already knew, or at least had a feeling, but it took me some time to become comfortable in my own skin," she said. "I really struggled for much of my 20s to figure out who I was, and what I wanted for my life. I got to a point though when I craved authenticity in my relationships—with my family, with my friends, with my partners, and with myself. And when I put that first, and valued authenticity more than anything, life changed … for the better."
Flynn said working behind-the-scenes in sports is a "great experience," though seemingly never-ending. Thirteen-hour days are commonplace, and forget about days off during the season.
"Working in sports is not as glamorous as it sounds at times, but I can honestly say I come home every night and am proud of the work I've done," she said. "I'm selling, or as I like to say, sharing, a product that is incredibly special, and important. Our players, I really do believe, change people's lives. They are role models for so many. Like I said, it's hard work, but it's all worth it when you see a young soccer player smile after getting an autograph or high-five from their favorite player, or [you] see a full stadium of rowdy soccer fans enjoying the world's favorite sport. It's an honor to work in women's soccer, to be part of the National Women's Soccer League, and most importantly, to be a member of the Chicago Red Stars front-office."
Flynn's working-world resume includes stints in New York, working for Equinox Fitness, one of the top fitness chains in the country. In 2010, she worked for the Philadelphia Independence women's professional soccer team. And, before joining the Red Stars, she was a personal trainer and sports manager for the Sports Club/LA in San Francisco.
"There will never be just one career highlight, though ask me again after the Red Stars win the NWSL Championship this year," she said.
Flynn said working for the Red Stars has been an incredible experience, one she wouldn't trade for anything.
"The Red Stars organization is extremely supportive of the LGBT community, and at the core promotes equality for everyone—players, staff members, fans, and partner organizations," she said. "The Red Stars recently became a member of the Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Chicago, and are looking to play a more active role in supporting businesses in the community.
Flynn added, "Everyone in life must overcome obstacles, some more often than others. But, I think the important thing to remember, and the thing I try to focus on in tough times is, every hardship, every bump in the road is a learning lesson. Those struggles and how you react to them shape you as person. They make you stronger. I am grateful for every bump in the road I've traveled because it has brought me here to this very place, and brought a lot of incredible people into my life. The best piece of advice I can give, is to be grateful for the struggle. It's all worth it in the end."
