Bethany Balcer Steps Away from Soccer to Prioritize Mental Health

The Racing Louisville forward cites a loss of joy and identity in the sport, expressing plans to return with renewed passion.

Bethany Balcer, a forward for Racing Louisville FC, announced she is temporarily stepping away from professional soccer to focus on her mental health.
Balcer shared that she has struggled over the past year and a half with losing her identity and joy in the game due to the pressures of being a professional athlete.
She remains on Racing Louisville's active roster as an excused absence and has not formally taken mental health leave under the NWSL's collective bargaining agreement.
Balcer, a vocal advocate for mental health, expressed confidence in returning to soccer with renewed energy and passion in the future.
The 2019 NWSL Rookie of the Year has scored 42 career goals and was traded to Racing Louisville from Seattle Reign in August 2024.