#CHICKSINKITS: LAUREN SESSELMANN

Just like the beautiful game, the #ChicksInKits movement don’t sleep. Our latest muse is the perfect example of soccer’s broad reach. Lauren Sesselmann is a Green Bay, Wisconsin native and a member of the Women’s Canadian National Soccer Team. She helped her side to an Olympic Bronze medal in London and played for Canada when they hosted the 2015 Women’s World Cup. Lauren recently moved to LA where we linked up for tacos and a chat. Check out the Q and A plus a BTS video below.

KTTP: Tell us your name, where you’re from and how you got into soccer?

LS: My name is Lauren Sesselmann I’m from Green Bay, Wisconsin. I started playing soccer when I was around eleven. I was a huge basketball fan before that but saw my brothers playing soccer and got hooked on it.

KTTP: So you played for the Canadian National Team, tell us a little bit about that.

LS: Playing for the Canadian National Team was a dream come true. I got to play in the London Olympics which was the most surreal moment of my life. I was surrounded by family, friends, and fans, then seeing that flag come down, there were tears of joy. Also playing in the World Cup was an incredible experience. With it being hosted in Canada, everywhere we went there was so much support and love, it was amazing.

KTTP: So which team or teams do you support?

LS: I really enjoy watching all different styles of soccer. I grew up watching Arsenal and Theirry Henry, he was one of my favorite players. I also love watching Barcelona because of their style of play. Internationally, I like watching Germany because their always tough and physical which is how I play.

KTTP: Who would you say is your current favorite player.

LS: I know everyone says it and its cliché but it has to be Messi. I really do love the way he plays.

KTTP: What are some of your favorite stores and brands?

LS: I really like KITH, they have amazing bombers, tops, and shoes. I love Aritzia for everyday wear, Nike’s amazing and Revolve as well. I’m a big sneaker freak so lots of Nike.

KTTP: What are your top 3 sneakers at the moment?

LS: My top 3 at the moment are all Nike of course. I like the Sky Dunks, I have them in every color, they were the best and they really need to bring them back. I also like Huaraches and Prestos.

KTTP:  What are some songs on your workout playlist?

LS: My workout playlist includes several different genres. From classical to R&B to rap. Some of my top ones are “Hall of Fame” by will.i.am, “Conqueror” by Jussie Smollett and a little “Step by Step” by Bobby Brown because I like to dance.

KTTP: Basketball has always been synonymous with hip-hop and fashion. Do you see that happening in soccer? And do you see that helping the popularity of the game? 

LS: Yes, basketball has always been synonyms with fashion and especially sneaker culture. But I definitely think soccer is coming around in those aspects. It’s starting with cleats. There are so many different colors and styles. Certain players wear certain cleats and fans identify with them, so they obviously want that look.

KTTP: You’re new to LA, how it going so far?

LS: I moved to LA a little over a month ago. First, I obviously enjoy the weather because where I grew up it was very cold. I’m also a foodie at heart so being in a city where there are so may different things to try is heaven. We just had Guisado’s and they’re some of the best tacos I’ve ever had.

KTTP: Where can people find you on social media?

LS: Both my Twitter and Instagram handles are @lsesselmann

#CHICKSINKITS: HOPE WATSON

Admittedly most of our #Chicksinkits features are centered around pro, semi-pro or college female soccer players. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. But our mission with #Chicksinkits has always been to shed light on the female soccer perspective as a whole. From fitness models to producers to tv personalities and more, fans of our beloved game come from all walks of life and from every corner of the world. A case in point; our latest feature hails all the way from Australia. Her name is Hope Watson. She grew up loving soccer in a land where rugby reigns supreme. We sat down with Hope for some unique insight into the beautiful game from an Aussie girl pursuing her dreams.  

KTTP: So tell us your name and where you’re from?

Hope Watson: My name is Hope Watson I grew up in Canberra in Australia. I moved to New York about 5 years ago. I was fortunate enough to get a visa for modeling, so I did that while I was at university in New York. I moved to Los Angeles last year and now I’m transitioning into the film industry. 

KTTP: How would you describe your style?

HW: I’d describe my style as tomboyish, a little 80’s and maybe some 70’s, plus lots of color! 

KTTP: How do you think style effects soccer and vice versa?

HW: The combination of football and style/design is one of my favorite things! I’d honestly prefer to kick around with people that look sharp but aren’t necessarily that “good” than a bunch of boofheads that wanna yell and slide tackle. If I can relate to someone’s sensibilities I feel like it indicates we’d have other things in common. I wanna play with people I can relate to. 

 

 

KTTP: What are your favorite soccer boots?

HW: My favorite boots are either Adidas Samba’s or these Lotto boots that I got in Budapest a few years ago. I dunno know why I like them so much… They’re so comfortable. I think I just like them cos no-one else has them!

KTTP: Favorite pair of sneakers growing up?

HW: There was a pair of sneakers I had as a child, they were converse, low rise with one star and an arrow. They didn’t look like Chuck Taylor’s though. I tried to google them one time but I couldn’t find them! Also, Adidas made this super skinny martial arts looking shoe that was weirdly a big deal with all the soccer players in my home town. 

KTTP: What do you wear now?

HW: Now I wear Adidas Superstars basically every single day of my life. I just find them really comfy and I like the look of them. 

 

KTTP: Do you have any style or fashion tips?

HW: One thing I try to do with style is not follow direct trends. I just like to find nice fabrics and interesting colors. I feel like that’s cooler than finding something in a magazine and regurgitating it. 

KTTP: You’re from Australia, soccer isn’t the biggest sport where you’re from. How’d you get involved in the game?

HW: So, it’s a funny thing. In my hometown, people think rugby is what’s up! I don’t know why, but, my father was obsessed with soccer. I think because it’s truly a world game. We used to watch it every single night at home whether it was EPL or Champions League or even the Australian League. I actually hated that everyone liked rugby, but eventually I liked that I was into the “niche” sport… I would have feuds with rugby kids though – one time my all girls school had to visit this all boys school that was really big on Rugby. I told one of the guys I liked soccer more and he spat at my feet! I was pissed! So, yeah, it was a contentious thing as a kid for sure.

 

KTTP: So why did you ultimately choose soccer over rugby?

HW: Well as I said in my hometown Rugby was king. But I just thought soccer was much cooler, more chic. I thought soccer players were better athletes. So I was always fine with liking soccer.  

#CHICKSINKITS: CHELSEA CABARCAS

For our latest #ChicksInKits feature we take it with Chelsea Cabarcas. The Colombian Women’s National Team member/TV host/model took time to  link up with our good friend Nathan Congleton for a chat and photo shoot.  Hear what Chelsea had to say about her music, style, sneakers and of course the beautiful game. Also be on the look out for more information about the Umbro lifestyle fall collection featured in the shoot.

Name: Chelsea Cabarcas 

Age: 24 

Where are you from/grow up and family nationality? I was born and raised in NYC but my father is Colombian and my mother is Dominican

What music do you have in heavy rotation right now? This is a hard one considering I love music. Right now I have been playing the new Rick Ross album “Rather You Than Me” and the new Mike Will Made It album. But then again I am the same girl that listens to Indian classical music when she’s stressed hahaha.

Favorite men’s club and National side team? Real Madrid and the men’s Colombian national team. I think I am more Colombian than Dominican but when it’s time to cook I’m definitely more Dominican. 

What is your connection to the beautiful game? I have played soccer since I was 3 years old. My dad always wanted a boy but since I am the only child he got me into all of his hobbies. I grew up going to the park on weekends to watch my dad play soccer. Now that I am older the sport completes me. I have had very high moments and extremely low moments in my career. Nothing can compare to the feeling I get when I am playing or make my time in a sprint during preseason. I am a television host/model on the side and I still haven’t experienced the same feeling or emotions I get while playing. Granted, once you get to a higher level it isn’t as easy anymore because you’re competing against girls that are as talented and athletic as you. But when you experience that high after a great game or a goal it is amazing.

If your friends were to describe you, what would they say? I needed help so I asked my friends and this is what they answered

 Chelsea’s friend, Megan: The most high pitched curly haired determined little doll one could ever come across in life

Chelsea’s friend, Lenny: A very determined individual who believes that in life not everything should be easy because the reward won’t taste as well. Never scared of taking on a new task with the mindset that it will be done. Strong minded, family oriented and a sucker for the sun and sand.

The beautiful game, when you hear that what does that mean to you? The Beautiful game is more than just a sport. Soccer has a lot of history and it brings so many people together from around the world.

What is your favorite soccer memory or moment? Definitely has to be when I got to start with the Colombian national team against Venezuela. It was after being out for 2 years and everyone telling me it was impossible to get back to that level with the Injury and complications I had.

What brands can we find in your closet? My style is very versatile. Depends how I feel that day. Im The person that wears a tutu with Air Max’s but at night will put on some open toed sandals. I’m a New Yorker so I definitely love the color black. My closet goes from Adidas to Gucci. Two completely different styles. Lately, I have been obsessed with Artizia.

So Sneakers … Love em? Hate them? Purely Functional? LOVE THEM. I love shoes period. I will spend my last dime on shoes. 

What are your favorite 3 kicks of all time? Favorite sneakers : Air Jordan 1 Retro Black/Gold, Nike Air Max 97 Silver Bullet, Nike Air max 90 “Infrared”, all white converses (couldn’t pick 3)

New York is a Mecca of Sneakers and HipHop, do you see the mesh of those two with the game in NY? Soccer players have always been into sneakers and music. I have always said athletes in general are probably the ones that listen to most music and know the lyrics to every song. Athletes listen to music while prepping for a game, practice, weights, long bus rides etc. I started seeing a lot of rappers rocking soccer jerseys or the warm up adidas pants to a club. I think it’s hilarious because I look at them like, ” uh sir. You know we wear that to like warm up in or sleep in.” Im happy to see a lot of big brands like a stussy or a supreme get some of their inspiration from the soccer world.

There is an on going debate about which city has the best food New York or LA. What do think? New York definitely has way more culture! (I still love LA though)

If you where a breakfast cereal what would it be? I dislike cereal so I can’t really choose.

Follow Chelsea: IG @chelszz

Photo credit Nathan Congleton IG: @Photonate & nathancongelton.com