Cristina Alexander

I feel complete.

Not that I didn't before, but as you know, you just feel like...

so much more full when you have kids.

But I feel so good.

I'm so happy.

I feel healthy.

I feel like I have a new excitement for soccer and to just get back with my team.

So I'm in a really good place.

Have you discovered anything new that maybe you didn't know before becoming a mom that now you're a little bit surprised at?

Probably just like how much love I have in me.

Like I didn't know it was possible to like love something so much and just be so protective over her and just like nothing else is just quite as important anymore because she's my priority.

So moving into football and why we're all here, you exercised your option to return to Portland for the 2026 season, so a significant decision for you and such a strong statement.

What went into that choice and why was it important for you to come back and represent Portland?

I just think Portland is my home away from home.

It's the only professional team I've played for.

I feel like I've almost grown up there.

I entered the draft and got to Portland so young, and I've been through so much, good and bad, in Portland, and I just feel really close to the city, the community, and I feel like this...

new version of me as a mom I felt like it only was right to go back to Portland and I knew that if any place would accept me and be patient with me and be as excited for me as I am for myself it would be Portland and

It just felt right, like I wasn't ready to say goodbye yet.

And you missed last season, obviously because of maternity leave and becoming a mom.