The end of Ali Krieger's college career at Penn State University almost looked like the end of her career in soccer altogether. She endured a broken leg her senior year, and then faced mini heart-attacks and blood clots in her leg and lungs.
Today, her teammates call her a "Warrior Princess" -- her last name means "warrior" in German and the mascara she wears at all times is her self-described "war paint."
Despite her injuries, Krieger, of Alexandria, Virginia, played professionally in Germany for several years and has now established herself as a regular on the U.S. roster, starting every game of the 2015 Women's World Cup.
She has played for the Washington Spirit since 2012, and started all of the team's 22 games in 2012.
She will compete as a defender in Rio.
