In this episode, Claudine Wong and co-host @thealexlobban sit down with Sarina Bolden, the Bay Area–born striker who made history for the Philippines by scoring the country’s first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup goal. From her youth soccer days in Milpitas to representing her heritage on the world stage, Sarina shares her journey of resilience, family influence, and chasing dreams across continents. She opens up about navigating burnout, choosing between sports, overcoming an ACL injury, and finding pride in inspiring the next generation of players. Whether it’s grassroots development, international play, or her ambitions to compete in the NWSL and beyond, Bolden’s story is one of grit, identity, and unshakable love for the game. Key Topics - [00:01:17] Making history at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup - [00:02:33] Growing up in Milpitas & choosing soccer over softball - [00:07:31] Burnout, pressure, and the importance of balance - [00:09:21] Navigating the Bay Area club scene & college recruiting - [00:13:29] Choosing LMU over her dream of UCLA - [00:16:13] Setting her sights on playing professionally - [00:18:19] Joining the Philippines Women’s National Team - [00:22:49] Scoring *the* goal — emotions and global impact - [00:25:41] Becoming a finisher: lessons from coaches & repetition - [00:29:40] Playing abroad: Australia, Italy, and career aspirations - [00:31:21] ACL injury, recovery, and advice for young athletes - [00:35:41] Staying motivated, setting new goals, and seeking opportunity - [00:36:59] Reflections on the U.S. youth soccer system & global game growth - [00:40:21] Advice to her younger self and what’s still ahead Connect with Us Hosts: Claudine Wong & @thealexlobban Visit us at ktvu.com and foxlocal.com Watch on YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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