Former Stanford star Press embraces role model expectations

Press, who won the 2010 Hermann Trophy as the nation's top female collegiate player and is the all-time leading scorer in Stanford history, knows she's a role model to little girls around the country and is embracing the responsibility it brings.

"I think it's (being a role model) an important part of our job to remember," she said. "We are playing soccer, we are entertaining, but at the end of the day we are trying to leave something for the younger generations."

"It's important for women and little girls to know that they can play sports, they can be professionals," Press continued. "They can push for excellence in any profession."

The veteran forward said she and her teammates know that the World Cup brings a rare chance to capture the attention of not only American sports fans but fans from around the country.

"There's a huge rise in the importance and emphasis on women's soccer during the Cup," Press said. "But it's sort of a shooting star event. The world turns on its televisions for one month and you're the center of it. It's a huge opportunity for us."

While she wasn't a member of the U.S. squad that fell short of winning the World Cup in 2011, Press said that shortfall is motivating this year's team.

"I think that loss in the final is part of our DNA," she said. "It's part of our identity as a team. Of course, there's a ton of players that weren't there, but it is still ingrained in us. This is a little bit of a revenge story and a comeback story."

Press also feels the deep honor of being a member of the U.S. team.

"I feel like I've waited my whole life for this," she said. "And now it's just around the corner…It's a big honor to represent my country."