To get to the pro level in any sport takes an unprecedented amount of dedication and drive. Motivation also helps, and for American goalkeeper Hillary Beall, that motivation came in many different ways. One was fueled by her desire to become an Olympic athlete, the other was to keep proving those who doubted her wrong.
“I told my third-grade teacher that I was going to be in the Olympics one day,” says Beall, who is currently playing at Western United Women on loan from Racing Louisville FC in the NWSL.
Her Olympic dream began years before she discovered soccer at 11 years old. Born and raised in a small Californian beach community, Beall had her choice of sports to choose from and she played just about all of them.
Soccer wasn’t on her list of favourite sports because she wasn’t fond of running. Tall for her age, it wasn’t long before a coach put her in goal (she’s currently listed at 5-foot-11). That’s when Beall found her place and possibly her path to Olympic glory.
Despite starting the game late, Beall excelled quickly, playing for top youth clubs in California and US Soccer Youth Development Academy, which led to spots on the USA U17 and U20 Women’s National Teams. Beall saw success at the U17 Women’s World Cup in Jordan and was a big part of the U20 team making it to the U20 WWC in France.
Not one to avoid a challenge, Beall left the warm confines of Southern California for the cold climate at University of Michigan, where she excelled once again and proved to be a valuable goalkeeper for the Division 1 school.
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“I got into club soccer quite late, so it was a little bit difficult competing in the beginning,” says Beall. “But I always wanted to prove people wrong. So it helped drive me. I think it made me hungry.”
Another way Beall beats back the doubters is by setting her goals small.
“I never really looked at the big picture, but always set my goals smaller so I could chase those,” Beall explains. “I think in the big scheme of things it’s really allowed me to pursue this professional career. I think it always comes back to just focusing on today and focusing on the now.”
Beall joined Racing Louisville for the 2022 season as the backup goalkeeper. For the first time in her young career, she rode the bench for the entire season. This could have been devastating, but for Beall it’s just another challenge to overcome and an opportunity to prove people wrong.
(All images courtesy Racing Louisville FC)
“Even though I wasn’t playing, I still needed to prepare for that moment and be ready because you never know when that time will come,” Beall adds.
“I’m always focused on my development but at the same time, I can bring other things to the team. I’m always bringing that competitive spirit because I think it helps push my teammates to be better and raises the environment in a positive way.”
Going to the Dub is another way Hillary will be able to hone her skills and playing time for the first time as a professional.
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For someone who has never been to Australia before, Beall got some advice from her Louisville teammates Alex Chidiac and Jess MacDonald (who has also signed with Western United). “I heard all positive things about the league,” says Beall. “I hear it’s a great environment with great culture and a good quality of life. I’m excited.”
What can the fans at Western United expect from the tall goalkeeper? “I like to play possession. For most of my career I’ve been a pretty great shot stopper – that’s one of my strengths, so I guess if that’s what you want in a goalkeeper, that’s what you’re getting with me.”
Read More: Hillary Beall Joins Western United
What does it mean for Beall to be part of the Western United inaugural season? “I’m excited! I always like to be part of something that’s being built and they’re building something special there. Mark Torcaso seems like a great guy and a great coach and I’m really looking forward to it. Obviously, there’s a little pressure, but there’s also excitement of being able to play again.”
The other challenge for Beall is playing overseas for the first time and living far from home. “I’ve always been a short plane ride away from home and my family, so that’s going to be different. But I’ve lived away from home before so it will be exciting to experience a culture on my own and kind of just be on my own for a bit.”
“My family is sad I won’t be home for the holidays, but I just told them to just suck it up,” Beall laughs. “I’m going to Australia to play!”
Making her professional debut on an expansion team in Australia might not have been on Beall’s list of goals when she was younger. However, the path to fulfilling dreams is never as we imagine.
“When I was a kid, I always set my goals on the next camp,” adds Beall. “Setting those little short-term goals has been part of my development. It’s not a straight path to the top. I think it’s important to dream big but set small goals, and eventually you’ll get to where you want to be.”
For now, it’s the Women’s A-League. Tomorrow it could be the Olympics!
