Raised a Warrior: A Memoir of Soccer, Grit, and Leveling the Playing Field

by Susie Petruccelli

A star athlete shares her trailblazing account of triumph in the face of sexism, self-doubt, and injury, gives a remarkable global tour of the women's soccer world, and presents a stirring call-to-action to secure equal pay and conditions.

When Susie Petruccelli won a place on Harvard University's soccer team, she felt on top of the world--talented, strong, and worthy. Unfortunately, after sustaining injuries and developing health problems, she felt her worth slip away. In this remarkable memoir, Petruccelli reveals how she battled her way back onto the field and continued to fight even after she hung up her cleats. She distills the significance of not giving up on oneself and inspires players of all sports who've faced injuries to persevere. She also brings to light the inequities and discrimination female athletes face that she's traveled the world to see and document firsthand, and introduces the international athletes and activists fighting for equal pay and conditions. In so doing, she reveals the progress made, as well as the battles ahead and the force of the movement.

Raised a Warrior is the winner of the Vikki Orvice Prize and has been praised by a wide range of sports icons from Pel� to Billie Jean King.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Sports, Biography, Soccer

ebook

Published April 26, 2022

Reviews

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir is about what it's like to be a twin, the relationship the author had with her dad and sports, and how her identity changed when she could no longer play soccer due to an injury. This athlete talks about triumph in the face of sexism, her self-doubt, and her injury. She gives us an inside look at women's soccer and dives into athletes' problems around securing equal pay and conditions.

I loved how the author shared her journey in sports. She was candid in discussing how she came into her own by rebelling against some things, accepting some things, growing up, and having her own family. She also dives into the issue of athletics, particularly as it relates to women.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/sus...

[Ashling P · Rating 5 out of 5]

If people still wonder why opportunities for women in sports matter, this memoir provides the thoughtful and compelling answer. Raised a Warrior begins with one woman's experience but then broadens its focus to provide the history and backdrop of equity for women in sports and education and beyond. It is a fast read because you become invested in Susie Petruccelli's journey due to her engaging writing style, but you will also want to keep learning about her journey as an activist. Highly recommend this book.

[ReadAlot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important reading for athletic girls, twins, parents of twins, the LGBTQ community, coaches of girls and those who feel isolated even when part of a team. The memoir focusses on the difficulties and achievements, as they are defined by the author and examines the personal, societal and athletic challenges to every girl. The section on the current status of women's soccer and equality in sports is timely. The author has bared her soul, putting her story out there for the benefit of others.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for all women and girls. A great mother daughter connection can be made by discussing several topics showcased throughout the book. Whether you are involved in sports, part of a team…this book will touch you because it talks about the importance of self worth and your responsibilities as a friend, your role on a team, a friend group and in life. Grab a copy today and spread the word.

[Renée L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant look at growing up female and in the world of sports when title IX was still finding it's footing. Soccer is a world sport, but it hasn't always been for women. This is an important book about teamwork, coming of age and finding your place in the world. Will be passing it in to many others

[Milly McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible story of falling in and out of love with football (soccer), and yourself at times. I loved following Susie on her journey from childhood fan to college player to then realising the history of women in the sport.

[Georges Saab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring read - the personal story of Susie Petruccelli and her path from young dreamer to elite athlete at one of USA's top schools, and beyond. Highly recommended!

[reese holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raised A Warrior is an inspiring story on the incredible soccer player and scholar, Susie Petruccelli. Telling her story in a realistic way that relates to the struggles all female soccer players endeavor, her words find a way of bringing comfort to the idea of not being perfect. Growing up in a male dominated house in California, she always felt the need to prove herself, and fit in just like "the boys". However, as her story and success burn out, readers see the dark side to all those mental and societal pressures athletes face. Overall, a story of real life issues that I believe all athletes, especially girl soccer players, should read to bring understanding of themselves.

[Kristen Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this to the point that I bought it for our school library (I'm a high school librarian). As a former soccer player, I loved this book. She speaks of her experiences, gives an inside look at the system of soccer and what it's like to grow up as a competitive player, as well as what a college experience can look like at a strong D1 school. I loved learning what Susie has done since she was forced to give up this game due to injury, and it gave insight into the fight for women's sports to be seen as equal to men's in this works.

[Bo · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, so more "good news during COVID-19" stuff. My good friend, France Women's World Cup buddy, and Harvard Soccer standout Susie DeLellis Petruccelli is releasing her new book Raised a Warrior. This award-winning account talks about her experiences and observations on women's sport in general, and the (not always) "Beautiful Game" in particular. Check out this awesome cover! And the endorsements by Billie Jean King and Pele! Special discount here:

[Deirdre McIntyre · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is about a female athlete’s journey through perseverance. An injury during her college years led to her find a new identity. it’s a solid read- focuses on feminism in sports and the woman’s place in FIFA.