USWNT Stars Adapt to Life in England: From Roundabouts to Sheepherding
Discover how USWNT stars like Naomi Girma and Catarina Macario navigate life in England, from mastering roundabouts to unique team-bonding activities like sheepherding.

Adapting to a new life in a new country is tough, but these USWNT stars have had some fun this summer. Naomi Girma, a Chelsea defender, faced an unexpected challenge when she moved from San Diego to London: mastering the art of roundabouts. With the help of her teammate Catarina Macario, Girma has now found her footing in England.
Mastering British Roads
Roundabouts, a staple of British roads, were a new experience for Girma. "She taught me how to drive through roundabouts, when to exit," Girma shared with ESPN. The duo laughed as they recalled the early days of adaptation, with Macario advising Girma to simply follow the flow of traffic.
Creature Comforts from Home
Despite settling into London life, there are some things England can't provide. Both Girma and Macario miss the iced-vanilla lattes from America. Girma even had her brother bring over her favorite hot sauce from the U.S., which she now shares with her teammates in the Chelsea canteen.
Summer Reset and Family Time
With no international tournament this summer, the USWNT stars enjoyed some downtime. Girma and Macario traveled extensively, reconnecting with family and friends. Girma visited San Jose, New York, Los Angeles, and even took a trip to Cabo, Mexico. Macario spent time in Spain, France, and returned to San Diego.
Unique Team-Bonding Activities
Preseason training brought a unique team-bonding activity: sheepherding. Chelsea's coach, Sonia Bompastor, took the team to the Dutch countryside for this unusual task. The session, filled with laughter and confusion, turned into a memorable experience that strengthened team bonds.
Looking Ahead
As the new season approaches, the USWNT stars are ready to bring their unique experiences and strengthened camaraderie to the field, aiming for another successful WSL title with Chelsea.