Strike Magazine x Mimi Van Zanten
Earned Not Given
We tend to believe that the only explanation for the existence of extraordinary things is the woven cloth of destiny’s design. It’s an assumption we attach to some of our favorite wonders: Heroes emerge from radioactive spider bites, and our favorite singers are born to take center stage. Inherently suited and destined for greatness.
It’s an absurd paradox – one that I found myself considering when I spectated the FSU women’s soccer team inflict a merciless defeat upon Clemson. This thought resurfaced during a conversation with the Sophomore soccer star Mimi Van Zanten when she jokingly told me she took her first steps on a soccer field, trailing behind a ball.
There is nothing more absurd than maintaining this belief, on a granular level, that the idea that extraordinary abilities come from the hands of fate. To successfully enter the champion’s universe, merit abilities result from the personal pursuit of excellence. En route, there are daily practices, gnarly wear and tear injuries, interminable travel days, and going cold from the goal line. Of course, there’s also the mind-boggling thunderous kicks, elusive trophies, and the rare yet glorious sound of an arena screaming “GOOOAAAALLLL!”
The 19-year-old defender harbors the spirit of self-discipline and an inexplicable love for the sport. Harnessing the power from the feeling of being made for something, she earned self-assurance through the countless hours invested toward becoming great.
Mimi and I caught up for some weeks between her practices to discuss her athletic come-up, the newly found spotlight on women’s sports, and her deserved faith in herself.
How did you first get into soccer?
I have two older sisters I look up to who play. I copied everything that they did. We would play soccer in my living room, which my mom hated, but that's what we did in our free time. It was just soccer, soccer, soccer.
Since you’ve been playing your whole life, how has it been seeing the focus on women’s sports grow dramatically in recent years?
Honestly, it's amazing. People are finally starting to recognize all the talent and hard work these women put in daily, giving up their lives for these sports. Then, being in the position I'm in right now, the future looks so much better every single day. The whole international and US teams are growing and getting stronger. I’m looking forward to that because I know I'm gonna grow so much as a person and player in the following years.
It's going to open up so many more opportunities, especially in the US, for all these women who have dreamt of playing professional soccer, not having to worry about making sure that they make enough money playing the sport they love, and feeling the appreciation of everyone else around them for all the hard work they’ve done.
Do you have any pre-game regimes or superstitions?
I always make sure my hair and makeup are done and look good. I'm a firm believer in “look good, play good.” That’s my motto. I also always make a TikTok with this other girl on the team and it’s just, like, good vibes.
And how about once you’re on the field? What’s going through your head?
I think solely about what's happening at that moment. If a player gets past me, I take it personally and ensure it won’t happen again. I'm like, “Yeah, I'm not letting this ball get in behind me,” or “I'm not letting this girl get in behind me.” I'm doing whatever I need to do. I don't want to feel low when I'm playing. I want to be confident in myself and my abilities because I know I can perform at a high level. I’m ensuring my mentality is good and I'm ready for anything.
You’re deservingly very, very confident. How do you maintain that?
A lot of my identity is rooted in soccer. I've gotten where I am today because of my hard work and dedication. I know I'm capable, so I remind myself that nothing is too hard for me.
Relating your athletic progression to this issue’s theme, what does the concept of constantly being In Motion mean to you?
It means the future and what has led you to where you are today. For me, a lot of that has been hard work, dedication, and all the practices I didn't want to go to. Just taking everything day by day, but knowing I have goals and I'm gonna do what I need to do to achieve them.
With two resplendent championship rings crystalizing Mimi’s success on her fingers, I anticipate this is only the beginning of the glimmering accomplishments that await her. Though we may falsely assume the fabric of greatness comes from destiny, the truest testament of triumph lies in the fable of threading the golden needle yourself.
Editor-in-Chief: Isabel Choi Editor-in-Chief Assistant: Lauren Vives Creative Director: Ella Brignoni Creative Director Assistants: Marcela Nieves, Nicole Jarascak Shoot Directors: Ella Brignoni, Isabel Choi Styling: Isabel Choi Styling Assists: Ella Brignoni, Lauren Vives, Marcela Nieves, Nicole Jaroscak Fashion Designer: Ericka Alvarado Ramos Writer: Ella Brignoni Beauty: Erinlyn Tirado, Marisa Vercamen Talent: Mimi Van Zanten Photographers: Josh Owens, Ella Denny Videographer: Cindy Lam, Ella Denny