Nikki Marshall was waived by Portland Thorns FC last September, days after winning the 2013 NWSL championship in a salary cap move. She was picked up by the Washington Spirit, then traded to Seattle Reign FC before being traded again, back to Portland after Paul Riley took over as coach.
Until that final move in December, Marshall contemplated retirement through that whole, long offseason.
But this week she received the honor of her first-ever call-up to the U.S. national team, currently led by interim coach Jill Ellis. The always insightful Marshall discussed the news with Thorns FC media:
“I could never do this on my own. Even just the last three games, I’m playing better soccer than I ever have. One, because my coach, Paul — he’s made me better in the last two months than I’ve been playing in a while. And two, just being surrounded by good players who make you look good.”