Competing with Boys and Beating the Odds: Alyssa Thompson’s Story

Alyssa Thompson, the daughter of Karen and Mario Thompson, is a rising star in women’s soccer, having achieved remarkable success from a young age. Even as a student at The Wesley School in North Hollywood, it was clear that Alyssa was destined for greatness. By age 8, she was already dominating her peers in sports, proving her potential early on. One standout moment came when Alyssa raced the fastest boy in her school and won, solidifying her parents’ belief in her athletic future. Soon after, Karen and Mario enrolled both Alyssa and her sister, Gisele, in the Total Futbol Academy (TFA), where Alyssa continued to push boundaries, competing against boys’ teams at just 9 years old and playing alongside athletes four years her senior by the age of 13.

This biography delves into Alyssa’s journey, showcasing her resilience and determination to succeed despite any physical limitations. Her small, slim build never held her back from pursuing her passion for soccer. Alongside her sister Gisele, Alyssa has navigated both successes and challenges, learning the value of perseverance in the world of sports. Now, let’s dive deeper into the inspiring story of Alyssa Thompson and her rise as a promising, dynamic footballer.

Preamble:

Our article goes beyond Alyssa Thompson’s soccer career, offering a deep dive into her personal background. This biography uncovers key details about her childhood, early life, and the supportive family that helped shape her journey. We explore her parents, Karen and Mario Thompson, her siblings—sisters Gisele and Zoe—and her relationships, including her connection with her grandparents, Sylvia and Romero, and other relatives.

We hope to spark your interest in Alyssa Thompson’s life story. To give you a glimpse, we’ve included a photo history that captures her evolution from a young soccer enthusiast to a standout athlete making her mark on the sport. Prepare to explore the extraordinary journey of this rising star.

Alyssa Thompson’s Childhood Story:

To start her biography, Alyssa Paola Thompson was born on November 7, 2004, in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California. She is the first of three daughters born to Karen and Mario Thompson, who are her supportive parents.

Alyssa’s early years were shaped by her family, and her parents’ marriage provided a strong foundation for her growth and success. Let’s delve into the lives of Alyssa Thompson’s parents, Karen and Mario Thompson, and their influence on her journey.

Growing-Up:

Alyssa Thompson was born and raised in the bustling city of Los Angeles. As the eldest of three sisters—Gisele and the youngest, Zoe—Alyssa grew up in a close-knit family without any brothers. Along with her parents, Mario and Karen, she spent her childhood in Studio City, just 15 miles north of Angel City’s BMO Stadium.

Interestingly, the Thompson family lived in the same house where her father, Mario, had grown up, creating a strong sense of family tradition and roots in the heart of L.A.

Growing up in Los Angeles offered Alyssa a unique experience in a vibrant and diverse city with many neighborhoods and communities. One of her fondest childhood memories was no other than playing in the backyard with her younger sister, Gisele. Their parents allowed them the freedom to run around and have fun, often chasing each other around the house even before getting out of their pajamas.

Due to their striking resemblance and similar height, people frequently mistook Alyssa and Gisele for twins, even though they are 13 months apart. They shared a twin bed and lived in the same room, creating a close bond. Overall, Alyssa Thompson’s childhood with Gisele can be described as a joyful and adventurous time filled with shared experiences and fun.

Alyssa Thompson’s Family Life:

Born and bred in LA, Alyssa was offered lump-sum opportunities for exposure and diverse experiences. However, Thompson’s native town, LA, faced her own challenges, such as heavy traffic and a high cost of living.

As such, Alyssa’s parents had to maintain a quality life of hard work and determination as working-class parents to see that each household member got well catered for despite the limited resources. Moreover, they come from an athletic and competitive family.

While their dad, Mario, played basketball and football and ran track in high school and college. Their mom, Karen, also played basketball in her youth. She moved across the country in her youth to pursue a career in basketball.

Alyssa’s dedication and passion for soccer were heavily influenced by her parents, both former athletes themselves. Their background in sports played a key role in nurturing Alyssa’s love for football from an early age, providing her with the support and guidance she needed to develop her talent.

They enrolled their daughters in sports to keep them busy. The graceful act granted the young girls a whole lot of encounters with sports like basketball, volleyball, soccer, track, and gymnastics.

Thompson has been fortunate to receive unwavering support from her parents, which has played a crucial role in her successful Career. Her family has always been there for her, offering support and encouragement every step of the way.

Alyssa’s parents share a strong bond and maintain a deep connection. They enjoy each other’s company and bring laughter into their lives. Their mutual interests and respect for one another are evident, creating a loving and nurturing home environment for the young athlete.

Growing up in such a positive family setting has significantly impacted Alyssa. It has shaped her character and influenced her personal and professional growth as a champion.

Her parents are said to be the wings below the rising soccer player’s wings. Stay tuned for more insights as we talk about her family below.

Alyssa Thompson’s Father – Mario Thompson:

Her parents are said to be former sportspeople. They were involved in different fields during their college and high school days. Thompson’s father, Mario, played basketball, football, and track in college and high school. He was a multi-sport athlete.

His love for sports continued in college, where he played the same three sports. Mario’s athletic background may have played a role in shaping his daughter’s passion for sports.

He works as a principal at an elementary school. Mario also said in a report, “He is a teacher, and his kids weren’t going to be the tallest children in the world, but they would be fast”.

Mario’s Career as an Elementary School Principal Mario Thompson’s love for teaching and education led him to a career as an elementary school principal.

As a teacher, he understood the importance of providing his children with a supportive and nurturing environment. He recognized their athletic talents early on and encouraged them to pursue their passions.

Mario Thompson recognized her love for the sport early and encouraged her to pursue it. Together with his wife, they provided her with the resources and opportunities necessary to develop her skills, including enrolling her in soccer camps and clubs.

Alyssa Thompson’s family has played a vital role in her success as a soccer player. They have provided unconditional love, emotional support, and a strong foundation that has enabled her to chase her dreams.

Alyssa Thompson’s Mother – Karen Thompson:

Throughout their children’s athletic and personal journeys, Karen and Mario Thompson has been a highly supportive parent. They have worked hard to provide a loving and supportive environment for their children to thrive.

Their dedication and hard work have undoubtedly played a role in their daughters’ success. Alyssa’s mother, Karen, also had a passion for sports, specifically basketball. She moved across the country in her youth to pursue a career in basketball.

Her dedication and love for the game have undoubtedly influenced Alyssa’s passion for athletics. Included here is a photo of the lady player and her beautiful mama.

Alyssa Thompson’s Siblings:

In addition to Alyssa, Mario and Karen Thompson have two other children – Gisele and Zoe. As such, Alyssa Thompson also has two younger siblings – Zoe and Gisele, who are equal.

Supportive of her soccer career. Comparatively, like her older sister, Gisele is also passionate about sports, mainly soccer.

Alyssa Thompson’s Sister – Gisele:

The sisters are just 13 months apart in age. They do almost everything together, and they even share a bedroom. In many interviews, Alyssa shared that she and Gisele started playing soccer together, and they fell in love with the sport simultaneously.

Together, Alyssa and Gisele Thompson work diligently every day to improve their skills. They push each other to excel, and having each other as partners makes the effort feel easier and more enjoyable. Notably, Alyssa and Gisele were the first high school athletes to sign with Nike, marking a significant milestone in their athletic careers.

Alyssa Thompson’s Sister – Zoe:

Meanwhile, Alyssa Thompson’s younger sister, Zoe, is still exploring her own passions and interests. Zoe looks up to Alyssa and Gisele as role models, a sentiment that extends beyond her to inspire young girls and women of color around the world.

In a CNN interview, Alyssa expressed the significance of her role, saying, “Being a woman of color and serving as a true role model for little girls is incredibly meaningful. It’s amazing for them to see someone who looks like them achieving great things.”

Alyssa Thompson’s Relatives:

Her mom and dad, Sylvia and Romero, grew up outside Lima, Peru; as a professional footballer, Alyssa Thompson has chosen to keep details about her extended family members relatively private, possibly to protect them from unnecessary public scrutiny.

Without specific information about Alyssa Thompson’s relatives, we can assume that, like most players, the relationships between family members hold great importance.

She likely has aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, nephews, nieces, and possibly in-laws, although limited information is available about them.

But then we learned that her Peruvian maternal grandparents are Sylvia and Romero. The duo grew up and met outside Lima, Peru but lived in Burbank. Alyssa loves her grandparents much, so she makes out time to visit them frequently.

Alyssa Thompson Family Origin:

We trace the competitive soccer star’s ancestry to the Philippines. Possibly by immigration, her ancestors moved to the United States long before her birth.

Aside from that, she is also of Peruvian descent from her maternal connections because her maternal grandparents grew up outside Lima, Peru.

Similarly, her black color also betrays that she is an African American (also referred to as a Black American or Afro-American) with a heritage from any of the black racial groups of Africa.

Furthermore, the assertive female star has Italian blood running in her veins. Therefore, Alyssa Thompson has a mixed origin.

Thompson’s nationality has been a topic of discussion in recent years. Some people have argued that she should represent the Philippines internationally, while others believe she should represent the United States.

Nonetheless, her nationality is the United States of America. Following is a picture that explains the cultural roots of the dazzling football player.

Alyssa Thompson Ethnicity:

As a black Filipino, Italian, and American of Peruvian descent, it’s imperative to say that the super-talented female athlete has mixed ethnicity. Furthermore, she is learning to speak Spanish to keep in touch with her Peruvian culture.

But then, of all The five largest ethnic groups in Los Angeles, CA, Alyssa Thompson belongs to the Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) group, which makes up about 8.43% of the population in the Big Orange City, LA.

Alyssa Thompson’s Early Life (Soccer):

When Alyssa was around 5 or 6 years old, she lived in Studio City, California, and spent much time playing in their sunlit backyard with her younger sister, Gisele. They would happily skip and dribble across the grass, wearing a mix of soccer clothes and cute outfits.

Alyssa’s flowing hair and graceful ball touches accompanied Gisele’s joyful giggles. At that moment, no one could have predicted that Alyssa would eventually become the first high schooler to get drafted into the professional soccer league.

However, in the background, Alyssa’s father, Mario, could be heard cheering her on, filled with genuine interest and a belief in their limitless potential. So, the backyard of their Los Angeles home became the birthplace of Alyssa’s passion for football.

It provided a space for self-expression and freedom, with less adult supervision, as parents, relatives, and friends often visited their houses.

Alyssa and Gisele made their backyard their personal playground, where they would chase each other and a soccer ball, sometimes even in their pajamas. These playful moments helped nurture their love for the game from a young age.

Recognizing the emerging interest, Alyssa’s father, Mario, who loves football, began setting up drills using small orange cones, creating a makeshift obstacle course for his daughters.

Alyssa recalls that they had no idea what they were doing but had fun learning how to play. Mario’s goal with these drills was to teach them how to dribble and, more importantly, to ensure they enjoyed every moment of the practice.

The Thompson sisters quickly mastered every drill their father, Mario, devised. Their dribbling abilities were as impressive as their exceptional speed, showcasing their natural talent and dedication to the game.

Even though their parents, Karen and Mario, never imagined that they would eventually become the first No. 1 draft pick, their willingness to do whatever it took to excel proved incredibly valuable.

Alyssa Thompson Education:

Her household are a people that values academics. Alyssa Thompson and her immediate younger sister, Gisele’s dad, is an educator. He worked as a principal of an elementary school. As such, going to school was not an option but an obligation for Alyssa.

After her elementary education in her hometown in L.A., Thompson attended Harvard-Westlake School, an independent, co-educational university preparatory school located in Los Angeles, California. Unaffiliated with Harvard University despite being named after it.

In 2020, at 15, Thompson verbally committed to joining the Stanford Cardinal women’s soccer team representing Stanford University, a private research university in Stanford, California.

However, she later decommitted so as to enter the 2023 NWSL Draft, the eleventh annual National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) franchises meeting.

The aim of the event was to select upcoming players above the age of 18 playing in the U.S. who are exhausted, lost or renounced any remaining collegiate eligibility. Also, the goal of the draft was to select players that the NWSL had already signed in advance.

Even though Alyssa signed a three-year, fully guaranteed deal with Angel City, she still plans to pursue a degree.

She knows perhaps they can’t play soccer forever! So, there’s no time to focus on anything else between academics and sports. They don’t have a T.V. in the whole house.

Career Buildup:

Alyssa Paola’s skills developed rapidly, and she soon became known for her agility, confidence, and exceptional dominance of ball control. Even at her young age, her confidence and dynamism on the pitch were unmatched.

Recognizing her skills, Thompson’s parents signed Alyssa and her sister Gisele up to Total Futbol Academy (TFA) when Alyssa Thompson was nine years old so they could compete on boys’ teams.

Academy programs like this produced men’s national team stars like Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams. Every guy on the field wanted to make it to the pros. And the girl? She’d already made it.

Alyssa Thompson Biography – Football Story:

Los Angeles, home to numerous professional sports teams, is a city where sports fandom thrives. Growing up in this vibrant environment, Alyssa Thompson and her family naturally developed a strong passion for sports.

Alyssa’s love for the game, particularly soccer, began at an early age, often sparked by playful moments chasing oranges with her sister, Gisele, in their backyard. This early enthusiasm led her to start playing club soccer while still in elementary school.

From the outset, Alyssa’s dominance on the field was evident, but she quickly needed greater challenges to match her growing abilities. After two years, she transitioned to the Elite Clubs National League team, Real So Cal, in middle school, where she competed until the COVID-19 pandemic hit. By the age of 13, she was playing alongside athletes four to five years her senior.

In 2020, Alyssa returned to Total Futbol Academy (TFA) and joined their under-19 team in the MLS Next League. At just 17, she was the only female player in the league, a testament to her exceptional talent and determination to break boundaries.

Road to Fame Story:

Furthermore, while in Harvard-Westlake High School, Thompson played for her institution during her first and second high school years. While there, she scored 48 goals in 18 games.

But then, the National team and club soccer stopped her from playing during her junior season. Howbeit, she was drafted to professional play as a high school senior.

Her performances earned her the Gatorade Player of the Year in April 2021. The award is given annually to up-and-coming high school student-athletes in the United States.

Marching on her road to fame, Thompson represented the United States senior national team and the under-20 national team.

By 2022, she assisted in leading the under-20 national team to bring a gold medal at the 2022 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, playing in five matches and scoring three goals.

Similarly, at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica, she scored one goal in three matches. Consequently, Thompson got called up to the senior national team in September 2022. She was the youngest player since Sophia Smith in 2017.

Following, on the 7th day of October 2022, Alyssa made her senior national team debut at Wembley Stadium during a friendly against England.

Thompson signed a three-year contract with the club. Furthermore, by the 9th day of April 2023, Thompson got called up to the senior team to substitute for an injured Mallory Swanson in a friendly against Ireland.

Alyssa Thompson Bio – Rise to Fame Story:

So, in January 2023, Angel City FC picked Thompson as the first overall pick in the NWSL Draft 2023. The act caused Alyssa Thompson to emerge as the youngest player in the USWNT squad.

During the time, this trade made Thompson “essentially the most expensive female football player in league history”, a record already set by Alex Morgan.

17-year-old Alyssa Thompson debuted for the U.S. Women’s National Team in front of a crowd of nearly 80,000 fans at Wembley Stadium.

Thompson scored 11 minutes into her NWSL regular-season debut on the 26th day of March 2023 in a 1–2 loss over NJ/NY Gotham FC. Limelights of her performances on her debut follow immediately.

Following, on the 11th day of April, she scored the game-opener against Portland Thorns FC. Alyssa was named NWSL Rookie of the Month for her performance from March to April 2023.

On the 5th day of June, she made the assist for Sydney Leroux’s foremost goal as well as the game of the season (after her return from an ankle injury in the previous season).

Additionally, In June of the same year, the dashing player became named as part of Vlatko Andonovski‘s USA squad for the FIFA 2023 Women’s World Cup. Do you know?… Thompson is the youngest player in the USWNT. She joins other notable Stars like Naomi Girma and Lindsey Horan, who made the tournament list.

Love Life:

While some footballers choose to enter into committed relationships or get married early in their careers, others prioritize their professional development before settling down.

The demanding lifestyle of a pro involves rigorous training, frequent travel, and media scrutiny, and so can present unique challenges in maintaining relationships.

However, many footballers successfully navigate these challenges. And then have fulfilling marriages or long-term partnerships. But then, each player’s approach varies based on personal choices, values, and circumstances.

Alyssa Thompson prefers to dedicate her time to training and improving her game rather than pursuing romantic relationships, considering her very young age. So, he is single and not dating at the moment.

However, There have been indications of her sharing romantic pictures on her social media account with a young and charming boy. According to reports, the boy is her high school prom date.

Speculation arose among fans, with some suggesting that the young man may be her romantic partner, while others claimed they were just friends. Attached is a collage photo featuring Alyssa Thompson and her supposed boyfriend.

Personality:

Like most athletes, football players have hobbies and interests beyond the sport. Alyssa Thompson’s interests encompass a wide range, including traveling, music, gaming, workouts, and swimming.

Her social media posts and interviews offer glimpses into her lifestyle, leisure activities, and interests. Undoubtedly, football remains her primary passion. During her formative years, she admired female sports enthusiasts such as A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, and Becky Hammon.

Additionally, the talented young damsel enjoys spending quality time with her sisters, parents, and friends. Despite her petite stature, her playing styles of dominance and control keep her at an advantage.

More about Alyssa Thompson’s Personal Life:

Katie is known for her speed and agility on the field. With a strong, athletic build perfect for a soccer player, she’s able to hold off defenders with ease. Her natural talent and skill make her a standout, with the potential to become a star at the highest level of the game.

Her size does not matter because she can use her speed and agility to her advantage. The forward player stands at 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m). She has dark brown eyes and blonde hair. The curious young soccer player weighs 50 kg (110 lbs.).

In addition, Alyssa also enjoys running. In April 2022, in just 11.74 seconds, she ran the 100m, making it the 2nd fastest 100m runner in all of California.

She places importance on rest and recovery to support his on-field performances. Our Liveblogger profile promotes balanced nutrition for a healthy lifestyle. Her grandma’s Peruvian dishes are her favorite.

While the champ does not have any tattoos on her body, she may have plans to get one; who knows? Like many football stars, the Scorpio Zodiac maintains a social media presence to keep in touch with her rising fans. Her Instagram @alyssthomp has over 108K followers.

Lifestyle:

As a professional football player, Alyssa Thompson has demonstrated remarkable focus and a disciplined lifestyle. Her rigorous training, skill development, childhood experiences, and tactical preparations have all shaped her unique style.

Alyssa’s passion for soccer was evident from a young age, and she quickly displayed her talent in the sport.

Her impressive rise to stardom led to Angel City acquiring her as the No. 1 pick in a three-team trade, making her “essentially the most expensive player in league history.”

With her achievements and groundbreaking accomplishments, Alyssa has amassed considerable wealth through her hard work in sports. This affords her a luxurious lifestyle, including lavish mansions, vacations, fine dining experiences, and luxury cars.

Living in her hometown of LA, she enjoys the comforts of a luxurious life. Furthermore, she has a taste for expensive cars, reflecting her status and preferences.

While it has become increasingly feasible to live in Los Angeles without a personal vehicle due to the availability of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, Alyssa Thompson, given her status, still enjoys the privilege of owning and accessing choice expensive cars.

Untold Facts:

Alyssa Thompson is a curious young soccer player already making waves in the sport. She was born in the United States to a Filipino and Peruvian family. She started playing soccer at a young age and quickly showed her talent.

Did you know her involvement in Television and film? Emphatically, Thompson became featured in episode 3 of the documentary series Angel City in 2023.

In the final section of Alyssa Thompson’s biography, we will reveal more intriguing facts that you might not know about this talented athlete. So, without further delay, let’s delve into these details.

Alyssa Thompson Religion:

As a competitive and dominant soccer star, she is an ardent Christian. Alyssa Thompson holds her faith in Jesus Christ in high esteem. She participates in her devotional duties, observes religious holidays, and engages in religious rituals and traditions as much as possible.

Education Dilemma:

With Thompson’s difficult decision to enter the NWSL draft and embark on her professional career, she de-committed from Stanford. But then The school’s women’s soccer coach, Paul Ratcliffe, was unhappy with her decision.

He told the San Francisco Chronicle, “I am disappointed that she decided to [forgo] the opportunity to attend Stanford. Howbeit, I wish her the best of luck in her professional career.”

Summary EndNote:

Alyssa Paola Thompson is an American soccer player who plays as a forward for Angel City FC and the U.S. national team. Born on November 7, 2004, in the United States, Alyssa has Filipino and Peruvian roots.

From an early age, Thompson displayed remarkable talent on the soccer field. She excelled at Harvard-Westlake School and earned the title of 2022 Gatorade California Player of the Year, highlighting her impressive abilities and bright future in the sport.

She has also represented the United States at both the under-17 and under-20 levels, where she achieved a major milestone by winning a gold medal at the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship.

In 2023, Thompson was drafted by Angel City FC as the first overall pick in the NWSL Draft. She made her professional debut on March 11, 2023, and scored a goal in her first game.

She became a regular starter for Angel City and got called up to the United States senior national team. Thompson is a versatile player. Aside from the forward, she joins the likes of Julie Ertz and Stefany Ferrer in her team as a midfielder.

Alyssa, like Alexia Putellas and Lauren James, is known for her dribbling skills, speed, acceleration and finishing ability. And she, like Keira Walsh, is also a strong passer and has a good work ethic.

Thompson is one of the most promising young players in the United States. She has the potential to be a star at the international level and will surely be a key player for Angel City FC for many years to come.

Together with her sister, Gisele, they are the first high school athletes to sign a multiyear Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) contract with Nike in May 2022. Also, as of 2023, she once made the list of the Seven best young players to watch at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

But then, despite the availability of sufficient details about the athlete, we found a lot of deficiencies in the knowledge of the US athlete. As such, only a few football lovers have an in-depth version of Alyssa Thompson’s Biography. Now, without further ado, let’s proceed.

Appreciation Note:

We want to take a moment to sincerely thank you for reading our article on Alyssa Thompson. Your interest and support mean so much to us. We’re excited that you’ve enjoyed our ongoing efforts to bring you engaging stories from the world of American soccer.

Alyssa Thompson’s Bio is part of our Women’s Soccer collection. If you have any further concerns about this memoir, please get in touch with us.

It’s always rewarding to connect with readers who share a passion for football and appreciate the achievements of talented female athletes.

Aside from Alyssa Thompson’s Bio, we’ve got other great football stories for your pleasure to read. The Life History of Rising Female stars Katie Robinson (England), Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria), and England’s Chloe Kelly will satisfy your autobiography appetite.