Rachel Corsie’s life could have easily gone down a drastically different path.
Now heading to the World Cup this summer as a defender for the Scottish national team, Corsie has made a successful career out of soccer. But her future in the sport wasn’t always a sure thing.
She is a chartered accountant back in her home country, and even spent time in an accounting office before going all-in on soccer. But she came to the United States to play in the National Women’s Soccer League in 2015 and has been a top player in the league ever since. Now with the Utah Royals, Corsie also played previously in Seattle.
“I’ve been with Rach now for four years,” said Laura Harvey, Corsie’s coach both with Reign FC and now in Utah. “I think a big part of her game was developed by coming to America, having to play a pace where she’s quicker, having to make quicker decisions, and really challenge herself.”
That ability to challenge herself has been part of what’s made Corsie such a mainstay at the national team level. She received her first call-up in 2010, and crossed the 100-cap threshold this year. During her time with the national team, she’s scored 16 goals.
Corsie also be team captain for Scotland, which qualified for its first-ever Women’s World Cup this year.
“I know the journey she’s been on, and what I’d say about Rach, is she’s very level-headed,” Harvey said. “She’s got her head screwed on and she knows what it takes to be successful, not just in football but in life. Her experiences have turned her into a good leader, a good character around the team.”
Now in her fifth season playing in the U.S., the 28-year-old will use what’s made her so successful in the NWSL – her work ethic – in France for the next month.
Scotland opens the tournament against England June 9 in Nice.
“I think she’s a student of the game,” Harvey said. “She spends a lot of time analyzing the game, spends time with other players, younger players especially who want to learn and better. That influence has been huge in her development as a leader, and how she acts on a day-to-day basis. She’s always the one doing extra – extra running or weights, really whatever it takes.”