From Setbacks to Strength: A Raw Conversation with Pro Footballer Kelis Barton

Kelis Barton just finished up her first full professional season in England, where she had an incredibly successful start to her career. From returning from her second ACL tear, to playing in the FA cup— this girls got it going on! But not only do her highlights speak loudly, she has multitude of passions outside of football. Between the injuries, the doubt, the lonely days, etc, she has found herself speaking out about mental health, her struggles with setbacks, and her love for social media + promoting the power of sport. She is someone I have looked up to since I met her 3 years ago, and I know you guys will too.

Today we get into a real, honest conversation with Kelis. We dive into her resilience, identity, discipline, and learning to trust yourself. She shares things she had to unlearn, daily practices, things she sees now as strengths, and even gave us the full detailed breakdown of her pregame routine. If you’ve ever felt stuck, sidelined, or unsure if you still love the game— this ones for you.

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Was there a moment in your career that soccer stopped feeling like an escape and started feeling like pressure? How did you navigate that shift?

KB: I’d say that during my first couple years of college football became a lot more stressful than

enjoyable. I felt the constant pressure of showing up for myself and others on and off the pitch each

week, but it seemed that no matter how much effort, time or energy I was putting into it, I wasn’t

getting it back. After a couple of rough years I ended up transferring because I knew that I wanted

more out of my football career, I wanted to keep learning and growing as a player and I wanted to

re-fall in love with the game and my talent.

In your lowest moment — whether injury, isolation, or doubt — what belief kept you going, even if it was small?

KB: My faith, my support system and remembering “little kb” have always been the things to keep me

going through times of injury, isolation and doubt. Remembering the little kid version of myself and

how proud she would always be of everything i've accomplished even when I feel in my lowest is

truly something that helps me keep going everyday. But during times of major obstacles I have been

so blessed with the support system of friends and family and trainers across the world who support

me, and above all turning to my faith at all times 

What do you believe ‘being disciplined’ actually looks like when motivation is gone and the results aren’t showing up?

KB: I would say “being disciplined” truly just looks like showing up everyday. Being consistent, even on

the days you absolutely dont want to do it, or even when the results are not showing up right away,

staying true to your reason why and trusting the process and continuing to just SHOW UP. it goes a

long way.

What is something you used to see as a weakness in yourself — mentally or physically — that you now see as a strength?

KB: I have always stayed involved in things off the pitch, whether that was through different

organizations, clubs, or community roles. I used to think this was a weakness because I was

spreading myself too thin and I would start to second guess myself “am I not putting my 110% into

football because I am doing abcd?” but I realized for me I need to have different outlets in order to

show up 110% on the pitch, I realized it is more than okay to have multiple passions. Which now

being the social media manager for the NWSLPA has allowed me the freedom and space to still play

football professionally (my top passion) but still have a role within the sports content world (another

passion of mine)

What is something you do every day that makes a big impact on how you feel — physically or mentally?

KB: Praying. I think even if I only take 1 minute out of my day to pray or to show gratitude in the smallest

moments/things in my life it helps me switch my mindset everyday no matter what I am doing.

What is one mental habit that you’ve had to unlearn in order to grow as a person or player?

KB: I would say I had to unlearn the feeling of being “stuck”. I think I grew up with loyalty as a big value

in my family and culture and it translated to sports for me in the way that I felt guilty for trying to do the right

things for myself. For example transferring in college. I stayed at my original university because I was so

determined things would get better/ I felt stuck and as if I owed it to the program to just see it through. Until I

transferred I began to realize there was so much else out there in the world, and that my career is allowed to*

be in my hands. I still have to continue to remind myself to this day that I am never stuck, I don't owe anyone*

anything and I am playing for KB.

What is your pregame routine? We want all the details from the second you wake until the first whistle blows!

KB: 

• night before - pray, sleep in knee sleeves

• wake up and have coffee, normatec boots on, listen to music and journal

• stretch, shower and then get dressed and ready

• breakfast closer to before leaving the house, then some sort of electrolyte mix drink and meds

• arrive at field, headphones on and sit outside and look at pitch for a bit/pitch walk

• treatment

• write my 3 reasons why Im playing down on a piece of paper

• change, get ready to go out for warm ups, probably grab another snack

• come back in, grab piece of paper and put shin guards on, put some bio freeze on

• put jersey on, sing dreams and nightmares and go time

Can you leave us with one book, podcast, ritual etc. that leans into mindset, lifestyle, recovery + wellness, etc?

KB: Chop wood, carry water by Joshua Medcalf - this book really helped me with my focus and mindset

when coming back from my first ACL.

Rapid fire

What is your go to hype song?

KB: Dreams and Nightmares by Meek Mill

If you could play alongside any player in the world for one match, who are you picking?

KB: Ella Toone or Ronaldo

What is your guilty pleasure after a match?

KB: Ice cream and french fries

What is your football ick?

KB: Arguing with the ref while the game is still going on

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Such great insight form Kelis — i hope you enjoyed learning from her as much as i did! If you want to follow along and support her journey, give her a follow on instagram @kelis.barton

These conversations are always powerful to have, and I’m beyond grateful to share them with you. Take each experience and words of wisdom from Kelis, and weave it into your own story. We are all in this together!

We’ll chat next week!

Talia