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Reign's Bethany Balcer aims to build on rookie NWSL season

Bethany Balcer has had an unusual path to pro soccer. She didn't play for a college powerhouse.
Credit: AP
OL Reign forward Bethany Balcer (24) takes shot during the first half of an NWSL Challenge Cup soccer match against the Sky Blue FC at Zions Bank Stadium on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, in Herriman, Utah. Balcer didn't come to the National Women's Soccer League by way of a powerhouse college program like North Carolina or UCLA. She didn't come to the league with a national team history or as a top draft pick, either. Balcer forged her own path to OL Reign. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Bethany Balcer has had an unusual path to pro soccer. She didn't play for a college powerhouse. 

But she did excel at an NAIA-level program in Michigan before getting a chance to train with the Reign of the National Women's Soccer League. 

She won a contract and went on to become the league Rookie of the Year last season. 

Balcer is now a starter and is out to prove her rookie year was not a fluke. 

Balcer hopes her story is an inspiration to young women who might not have the traditional credentials but still love to play.

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