As a starting defender for San Diego Wave FC in their match against Houston Dash, Hanna Lundkvist is the player to watch. Wave fans have seen her continue to grow over this past season as she continues to push herself to the next level. So far this season, she has scored two goals, with more on the horizon. But her journey to stardom was not one without its challenges.
Her Journey to San Diego
Lundkvist started her career in her home country of Sweden before moving to the capital of Spain, playing for Atletico De Madrid. San Diego Wave FC highlights Lundkvist’s Swedish national team debut with the U-23 side in 2021. A year later, only at 21, she was called up to the senior national team and made her first team debut in February 2023, playing 76 minutes in a friendly match against China.
Going from playing in Sweden to Madrid and now San Diego reflects Lundkvist’s determination. Packing up and moving to a different country to pursue your dream takes a lot of strength and courage. Lundkvist moved away from her support system at a young age, which is one of the hardest parts of this transition. That’s why it’s so important to build connections with new teammates.
“With the league here being so intense, so physical and so quick, I felt that would be a good step for me and for me to experience that.”
Create Your Own Support System
In an interview with Women's Football Chronicles, Lundkvist says, ”I really like the team, a really nice group of girls, they have taken care of me since the start.” One teammate in particular being Swedish forward Sofia Jakobsson, who played for San Diego Wave FC and helped her settle into this new environment. In that same interview, Lundkvist mentions how it was nice being around something familiar and that Jakobsson became a “safe place, a safe voice in the beginning to talk to.”
Whether we’re moving away to college or navigating our life post-graduation, it can be difficult to do all of this without a sense of familiarity. But finding support on your team and knowing that there is a reason for facing this challenge can really help. Like Lundkvist, college athletes moving away for the first time should look to their team for support. Lean into your teammates because these relationships often become lifelong bonds -- facing challenges and stepping out of your comfort zone is the only way to grow.
Find What Motivates You
Lundkvist’s motivator for joining the NWSL was the intensity of the league and the challenges she knew she would face. “With the league here being so intense, so physical and so quick, I felt that would be a good step for me and for me to experience that,” she told the Women’s Football Chronicle “I feel that’s a big part of what I need to develop in my own game, to face physical players and how to defend one vs one against them. It’s really all about my development.”
Knowing that she has room to grow and get better with each match keeps Lundkvist going. We are constantly going to be put in situations that take us out of our comfort zone, whether that be on the field or off. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your teammates, as many of them are going through the same emotions. If you are in college and away from your support system for the first time, know that this situation will make you stronger and that you are going to grow so much.
