Despite having 123 international caps and two Olympic Gold medals, Heather Mitts is excited to aim for her third Gold with the United States this summer in the London Games.
In fact, she believes that winning in the Olympics is on the same level as winning the World Cup.
Yet, while Mitts is primarily focused on that tournament, she shares concerns with dozens of other professional women soccer players in the United States after the WPS disbanded in May, leaving many wondering about the future of women's soccer in the United States.
Mitts spoke to Goal.com about those worried, as well as the chances for the Red, White and Blue in the Olympics.
Goal.com: Are you concerned about women's soccer future in America following WPS shutting down?
Mitts: Of course, it's very unfortunate news. But I believe the support is still there. We just saw 50,000 people at the women's Champions League final. Even with the WPS in the state that it's in, we still have [domestic] teams playing. There are tons of fans coming to support the Sounders and the Breakers.
It's all about finding the right people to run the league. When we can find that, I think it will be a great combination because the players are there and the support is there.
Did the WPS have issues at the top?
I think it was just difficult to get everyone on the same page in terms of marketing. I think we also need the economy to go back to the right direction.
What would you change to market it better?
I think from my experience with the national team, it has to be about the grassroots - players willing to meet with fans in the stands and going out to the community. You don't want to do it to the point where fans have all met you and have your autographs but you want to be a draw that gets people.
It's a group effort and I think everyone as a whole has to do a better job.
Considering that the U.S. women's players are so popular stateside, would those solutions help a new domestic league?
It's really difficult just because all of the stuff with the league when we're about to go to the Olympics.
I think looking around the world, the U.S. might need to start at a lower level. The WPS started right away as a full professional league and leagues around the world usually start semi-pro before getting successful enough to move up. I think you need to allow people to have another job at the same time as going and playing. We need to take a page from the European leagues and see how they've been able to stay around.
If there isn't a league within the next year or so, would you consider playing in Europe?
I think because I'm an older player, I wouldn't. If I was a younger player, I definitely would. I think it would be a good experience. I also believe that you will see a lot of players moving to Europe if things aren't resolved here. Hopefully, things will be resolved. You want to play in front of your fans and have their support.
You've won two Olympic gold medals, are you motivated to win a third?
Absolutely, this is what we all dream about. As athletes, we all want to compete at the highest level and to represent your country. We've dreamed of this day since we were young girls, so to be able to do that is a dream come true.
Who else is going to be a favorite for Gold this summer?
I think every team in the Olympics has a chance to win. That's the unique thing about the women's game now, anyone can win on any given day. We try not to look too far ahead.
Obviously, our group isn't going to be easy, especially playing France in our first game. We consider them to be a good team. It's going to be one of the best games [of the Olympics]. They are a very tough team to play against. Considering how our group is and the road to the final, I think this is going to be the toughest competition that we've been a part of.
Which is more important: the World Cup or the Olympics?
When you speak with women in Europe, they usually say that the World Cup is more important. But speaking with my teammates, we feel like both the World Cup and Olympics are equal. Neither is better than winning the other. Both are the pinnacles of our sport.
Heather Mitts spoke with Goal.com on behalf of TRX® Suspension Trainer™, a form of training that she says enhances her fitness and stamina for U.S. Women's games.
