Rockville Centre native Crystal Dunn named to US Women's National Team

Given her accomplishments, reputation and leadership skills, it should not be surprising that Crystal Dunn is a voice of experience on the US Women's National Team.

The Rockville Centre native and South Side High School graduate was one of 23 players selected to the US team for this summer's FIFA Women's World Cup in New Zealand and Australia.

Dunn, who turns 31 on July 3, was one of nine players from the 2019 championship team as the Americans will try to become the first team - men or women - to win three consecutive world titles. The squad has 14 newcomers who have never competed in a World Cup. So, Dunn is an obvious choice to hand out advice.

Her journey to the WWC is unique. Dunn was left off the team in 2015, though she led the National Women's Soccer League in scoring en route to MVP honors. Dunn was a starter on the 2019 side but was used as a defender even though she plays in an attacking position for her NWSL team, the Portland Thorns. Demonstrating her versatility, Dunn became one of the world's best left backs.

"I've always tried to share that we're all given a role," she said. "Whether you're completely excited and happy about your role or not, it's about really executing your role to your best ability because that's how we become successful. That's how we win championships.

"My advice: Enjoy the grind. Enjoy the journey. Be prepared, that your role that you're given now may not be your role that you have throughout the tournament. Staying on your toes and being flexible is the massive thing. You have to remember when you're in a tournament anything can happen, whether it's injuries, whether it's form. Players have to be prepared and ready for anything."

In group play, the Americans meet Vietnam (July 21, 9 p.m.), the Netherlands (July 26, 9 p.m.) and Portugal (Aug. 1, 3 a.m.). U.S. games will be televised by FOX. The final is Aug. 20.

Dunn, who has played 131 games for the USA, discovered she made the team via a video by rapper Lil Wayne, who did the honors:

"Intensity!

"Leadership!

"Swagger!

"Crystal Dunn, welcome to your second World Cup team. Bring home a trophy. Go USA!!

Dunn loved it. "Getting that announcement from Lil Wayne was incredible," she said.

She will have a unique roommate at the tournament — her son Marcel, who celebrated his first birthday on May 20.

"He will be there the whole time, hopefully all the way through to the very end," she said.

"This is my first major tournament with a child,” Dunn added. “Being a mom is going to give me this newfound motivation and just purpose being on the field. I'm playing for something bigger than myself, even more than all that I represent. That's really cool and I'm excited for it."