Getting to Know Croix Bethune

Washington Spirit  |   September 11, 2024

Drafted by the Spirit with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft, Croix Bethune has launched off to an historic season in her rookie year. On August 25, Bethune tied the NWSL record set by Tobin Heath for most assists (10) in a single season, doing so in just 17 matches. Additionally, Bethune became the first player in NWSL history to score multiple result-changing goals at 90’+5’ or later in regular season play, as well as becoming the fifth player in NWSL regular season history with three assists in one game. We sat down with Croix to learn more about her when she’s not on the pitch:

 

Are you a morning person or night owl, and why?

This is so hard because I feel like it’s 50/50. I wake up early, but I thrive in the nighttime. Well, I’m torn because I go to sleep early now, but I like to do stuff in the nighttime. I guess I’ll have to say morning owl because that’s like my new ritual.

 

What was your first dream job?

A professional athlete. I guess you could say I’m living my dream. It’s amazing, living life.

 

What’s your favorite accessory?

Either headphones or shoes. Headphones because I feel like I always have headphones in, I just like music. And you can customize headphones but not a lot of people do it. Then shoes, I feel like shoes will make your outfit.

 

What music do you play before a game?

I got to start off with some R&B – you know, oldies, a cool vibe. And then once I get closer to the stadium or I’m in the locker room, then I listen to rap so I can lock in. For R&B, you got some Donell Jones, and then rap, I’ve been listening to Veeze lately. Future and Young Thug are good ones, too.

 

What is an essential part of your day that you can’t live without?

I cuddle my dog every day. But, honestly, listening to music. I listen at all hours. Wake up? Music on. Getting ready? Music on. Lunchtime? While I’m cooking? Music on.

 

Who on the team has the best AUX?

Croix, haha. But Trin (Trinity Rodman) also has some good tunes. Usually Britt’s (Brittany Ratcliffe) on the AUX, and I honestly can’t complain she is. She’s got good variety. Definitely, a compliment for Britt there.

 

What was your first concert?

Nobody clown me… Lil Yachty. He brought out Young Boy, Young Thug. He brought everyone out, so it was kind of crazy. This had to be like 2016 or something.

 

Is there a story behind your number?

Long story, but I used to wear the #1 and as time went on, that was the goalkeepers’ number. Field players couldn’t wear #1 anymore. Then, when I moved to England, I became a big Man U fan, which means prime Rooney, prime Ronaldo. I loved Ronaldo at the time, and I wore seven. When I came back to the States, I wore 11 because it was two #1s, and then I couldn’t get that number in college, so I went back to my roots to seven.

 

Who’s your soccer GOAT, men and women?

My soccer goat, men: I would say Ronaldinho, then (Lionel) Messi. For women, Marta and Tobin (Heath). Tobin’s just so smooth. In Paris, I met Tobin and Marta. I met Megan (Rapinoe), Sue Bird. It was crazy. I met Dawn Staley!!

 

Did you play other sports growing up?

Yes, I did gymnastics when I lived in England as a kid. I’m a hooper at heart. And then I tried running track, but four practices in one day, it’s a little crazy. Yeah. When I moved back, I stopped doing gymnastics and then track I was done the second day because I was going from practice to practice and track was my last practice. And then I stopped playing basketball freshman year of college.

 

What’s always in your fridge?

Fruit. Any fruit. All fruit.

Honeydew?

You got me there. Right now, I have green grapes, green apples, grapefruit, and berries.

 

Where do you get your competitive instinct?

I’d say it’s natural, but from my dad and my brother. My dad’s super athletic, that’s who I get it from. And I am a big daddy’s girl. Then, having an older brother, us playing sports together and losing because he’s older and bigger than me, just made me competitive. I hate to lose.

 

Do you have a superstition before a match?

Shower music, blue Gatorade, gum. I always take a shower before my games. I have to have blue Gatorade before the game. And then I always, when I’m putting my cleats and shin guards on, I always go from left to right.

 

What song always gets you out on the dance floor?

Anything, honestly. I like to dance. You could play “You Are My Sunshine,” and I’ll still find a way. “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,” I don’t care. I can still get down to it.

 

What would your last meal be?

As the appetizer, we’re going Caesar salad with fruit on the side. My main course will be mac and cheese and collard greens. Got to get some seafood and chicken wings, too. And then for dessert we’re going red velvet cake. To drink, water or pink lemonade.

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