Today we’d like to introduce you to Rylee Baisden.
Rylee, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up, I was always playing sports… usually multiple at a time. I was consistently going to watch my older siblings’ games and decided at a young age that I had to have a taste of everything for myself. So, I tried basketball, volleyball, swimming, track, soccer, and softball. I narrowed it down to soccer and softball when I got to high school and played on very competitive travel teams. I was forced to decide one to focus on and I chose soccer and never looked back.
After getting recruited and offered a scholarship, I went on to play 4.5 years of college soccer at Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA. When I graduated, I decided to continue my soccer career. After not being drafted, I went overseas to play professionally. I’ve played in Sweden, Taiwan, France, back to California and now I am playing in Australia.
In Taiwan, I represented the USA in the World University Games and captained our squad.
While I was back home in California this past year, I started my own photography/drone business and pursued that while simultaneously training and getting ready for my next season.
Now, I am playing in Australia and I couldn’t be happier. Truthfully, Australia has always been on my list of places I wanted to go and I’m just so lucky soccer got me here.
This sport is more than a game to me and it continues to take me all over the world.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’d be lying if I said it’s been a smooth road getting to where I am today. I have had struggles on and off the field and I think the biggest advice that I would give to young women just starting their journey is to celebrate and cherish the ups and downs, work hard and to never compare yourself to anyone else. When you can appreciate the lows and where they’ve taken you, the highs are that much sweeter.
I don’t think I’ve ever been disappointed in myself after putting in the work. I had a coach once tell me that “you’ll never regret working hard” and to be honest, something has never rung truer for me. My struggles have developed my strengths and although the growth is usually painful, the change and results are always beautiful.
I think people often forget that seeing the possibility of something is extremely brave. So, I let my burning passion drive me to work my tail off and turned my setbacks into comebacks. I am where I am today because of the incredible support of my family and friends who always encourage me to follow my dreams, even if they’re “crazy.”
When I look back, I have had countless injuries, surgeries, and an uncomfortable amount of time on the bench. It was deflating to not be apart of something I loved and watching other people play and enjoy themselves. Once I had the courage to let go of the things in my life that I couldn’t change I was content.
“Control the controllables” is one of my favorite life mottos. My dad always told me, “the two things in your life that you are in complete control of, are your attitude and effort,” so I always make it a goal of mine to be the best I can be in those two areas of my life.
Ultimately, those “controllables” are a reflection of who you are.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Professional Soccer Player story. Tell us more about the business.
At the moment, I am a professional women’s soccer player. I play around the globe and I specialize in scoring goals.
I am also a one-woman photography/videography “team” from Orange County, California and currently living in Brisbane, Australia, but often traveling the world. When I’m not playing professional soccer overseas, you can find me exploring with a camera or drone in hand.
I think my brand is unique because I am passionate about capturing the best times in people’s lives and ensuring those moments last a lifetime through film and photography.
I have friends from different continents and connecting with people is my jam.
Soccer has opened a lot of doors for me and I love what I do. Passion is not a quality that I lack.
I think what sets me apart as an individual is my willingness to say yes. Jumping into the unknown has always excited me more than it has ever scared me. Some of the best experiences I’ve had have been the result of saying yes to something that might intimidate someone else.
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
The most important piece of advice I could give to a young woman just starting her career is to be confident and to take advantage of the opportunities that come your way. Learning your strengths and trusting your instincts is key. Find your edge and then sharpen it to be the best version of yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: Ryleebproductions.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @rylee_bee and @ryleebproductions
- Other: ryleebaisdenblog.wordpress.com
Image Credit:
In the yellow jersey (Australia) photo: Stephen/Slapics, white and red jersey (France), USA white jersey (Taiwan), black jersey (Sweden) photo: Roger Johansson/rphotography.se, Sydney, Australia photo: Roxanne Baisden, Brighton Bathing Boxes, Melbourne photo: Rylee Baisden/Ryleebproductions, Noosa, Australia photo: Rylee Baisden/Ryleebproductions, Brisbane, Australia
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
