The U.S. women’s national team (USWNT) is making headlines not only for their exceptional performance on the field but also for their shared obsession with one beverage: coffee. While many teams might spend their downtime exploring tourist attractions or indulging in local delicacies, the USWNT finds solace and bonding moments over cups of java.
Rumors of the team’s coffee obsession have spread like wildfire, prompting questions about how they spend their downtime. Player after player has confirmed that their favorite pastime in New Zealand is indulging in the local coffee culture.
Defender Crystal Dunn candidly addressed the team’s reliance on coffee, stating, “Sometimes I think it’s a sickness, but like, listen, we got to get our coffee intake.” The team’s mornings are fueled by the convenience of a coffee machine and barista, situated conveniently in their hotel. This self-sufficiency allows them to stay focused and not have to venture out unless absolutely necessary.
The USWNT’s base camp boasts a special coffee machine that caters to their every whim. From flat whites to lattes, this ingenious device can concoct any coffee drink they desire. It even goes a step further by printing realistic photos on the foam using food-grade ink. This feature caters perfectly to the team’s fondness for the popular social media platform, Instagram.
Midfielder Kristie Mewis, striker Alex Morgan, and forward Trinity Rodman have all showcased their personalized photo-printed drinks on their Instagram accounts. Strikingly unique and memorable, these coffee creations reflect the players’ personalities and experiences. The team’s interactions with the machine have even extended to visitors like Doug Emhoff, who was offered a coffee with a picture of himself printed on it.
While the photo-printing coffee machine is not a standard fixture in the hotel, Nike, a sponsor of the USWNT, has made sure the players have an exquisite coffee experience. The lobby was transformed into a full-fledged coffee bar, complete with Nike-branded coffee cups. This gesture showcases Nike’s commitment to going above and beyond for the team they support through the U.S. Soccer Federation.
Although the USWNT primarily remains within the confines of their hotel, they do venture out occasionally to indulge in the local coffee scene. Adjusting to New Zealand’s coffee preferences has been a unique experience for some players. With the cup sizes at local coffee shops typically smaller than what they are accustomed to in the United States, Starbucks has become a go-to spot for American press corps seeking larger servings.
Defender Emily Fox reminisces about her experiences with local coffee, noting that the absence of vanilla flavor has presented a slight challenge. However, she also celebrates the incredible quality of coffee available in New Zealand, proving that it has been a delightful change.
While the team as a whole embraces the coffee lifestyle, there are a few non-coffee drinkers among them. Alyssa Thompson, an 18-year-old player, still accompanies her teammates to coffee shops and finds alternative beverages like chai or matcha. Thompson’s flexibility exemplifies the team’s camaraderie and their shared love for these social outings.
While the USWNT has dedicated their time in New Zealand to the Women’s World Cup, encounters with fans during coffee excursions remind the players of their impact. Forward Lynn Williams admits that the recognition can be overwhelming, as it robs them of the freedom to enjoy a simple coffee outing without being in soccer mode. However, she also cherishes the outpouring of support and would not trade it for anything.
Coffee serves as the thread that weaves the USWNT together, whether they are in their hotel or out and about in Auckland. Defender Sofia Huerta emphasizes the team’s shared enjoyment of coffee as a way to socialize and bond, complementing their intense training sessions. The coffee culture within the team has become an integral part of their collective identity.
The USWNT’s coffee obsession is not merely a quirk but a reflection of their dedication and shared experiences. It provides them the comfort and energy needed to excel on the field. From personalized foam art to exploring Auckland’s coffee scene, the team’s love for coffee has become an integral part of their New Zealand adventure. Stay tuned to see how their shared coffee culture continues to fuel their journey towards success.
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