Megan Rucker's path to LMU women's soccer began with a transfer from the University of Oregon and a search for something bigger than a roster spot. During her two seasons as a Lion, Rucker recorded four goals and five assists, including two game-winners, but her impact on the program extended well beyond the stat sheet.

"After transferring from the University of Oregon, I was looking for a place where I felt like more than just a player," Rucker said. "From the moment I got to LMU, I felt a genuine sense of community and family."

That sense of belonging, she said, came largely from the coaching staff and culture built around the program.

"The coaching staff believed in me both as an athlete and as a person, and the culture of the program made it easy to feel at home," Rucker said. "It felt like a place where I could grow, enjoy the game again, and be surrounded by people who truly cared about each other."

A Coach Who Shaped Her Perspective

Rucker credits head coach Chris Chamides with much of her growth during her time at LMU, pointing to the way he led a roster full of different personalities toward a common goal.

"I learned so much from watching how he managed a group of people with different personalities, strengths, and motivations while still creating a unified team," Rucker said. "What stood out most was that he was always open to collaboration and communication—I always felt heard and valued, which helped me develop confidence in my own voice and leadership."

The relationships she built with teammates, she added, have outlasted her playing days at LMU.

"The culture at LMU was rooted in genuine care and community, and those friendships have lasted well beyond my playing days there," Rucker said. "Knowing that I still have that support system today is something I'm incredibly grateful for."

From the Bluff to Europe

That foundation, Rucker said, prepared her for a jump few college athletes get to make: playing professionally overseas. She currently plays in France, where she has had to adjust to a new style of play, a new language and a new culture all at once.

"LMU gave me the confidence to embrace challenges and step outside of my comfort zone, which has been essential in my transition to playing professionally overseas," Rucker said. "My experience at LMU taught me how to build meaningful professional relationships, communicate with people from different backgrounds, and be part of a team where trust and collaboration matter."

Life in France has taught her as much about herself as it has about the game.

"Being outside of my comfort zone on a daily basis has taught me how resilient and adaptable I am, and it's helped me discover who I am both as a player and as a person," she said. "The French culture has taught me the value of slowing down, being present, and appreciating the simple pleasures in life."

Rucker said the experience has connected her with teammates, coaches and friends from around the world, relationships she calls one of the most rewarding parts of playing abroad.

"Honestly, playing in Europe was a dream come true," she said. "I spent so many years speaking this into existence, and to see it come true is amazing."

Soccer as a Common Language

Throughout her career, Rucker has seen soccer serve as a bridge across cultures and languages, a theme that carries into her service work back home.

"One of the most amazing things about soccer is that it creates connection without needing a common language," she said. "I've shared locker rooms with teammates from different countries and backgrounds, but the game gives us something we all understand."

That belief is central to her work with Street Soccer USA, a nonprofit that uses soccer to support people experiencing homelessness, those in recovery, veterans and young people in need of mentorship. Rucker was introduced to the organization by Tiffany Fraser and Lisa Wrightsman, who founded the Sacramento chapter.

"Street Soccer creates communities for people who need them most," Rucker said. "Soccer becomes the tool, but what people really gain is confidence, leadership, friendships, and a community they can lean on."

Coaching in Watts

After moving to Los Angeles, Rucker connected with Street Soccer LA and began coaching in Watts, an experience she describes as one of the biggest blessings of her life.

"I went into it thinking I was going to teach them, but the reality is they've taught me way more than I could ever teach them," she said. "Over time, it stops feeling like just a team and starts feeling like family."

Rucker said the work has reinforced her belief in the life skills sports can build, particularly for young girls who may not see a path to college or professional play.

"A lot of girls decide that if they're not going to make it to the next level, then there's no point in playing anymore," Rucker said. "I think that's such a shame because that's not what sports are really about. Sports teach you how to be resilient, how to work hard, show up consistently, be a good teammate, lead others, and believe in yourself."

Advice for Current Student-Athletes

Asked what she would tell current LMU student-athletes considering professional sports, service work or both, Rucker pointed to passion, perspective and a willingness to take chances.

"The biggest thing I would say is just do what you love," she said. "I've always said that the second I stop loving playing soccer is the second I'll stop."

She also encouraged athletes to build a life beyond their sport.

"Professional sports are amazing, but they're also really unpredictable," Rucker said. "Having other passions, goals, and people in your life reminds you that you're so much more than just an athlete."

Her final piece of advice: say yes to what scares you.

"Get comfortable being uncomfortable because that's where I've experienced the most growth," she said. "So many of the best things that have happened in my life came from taking chances that felt a little scary at the time."

A Bigger Stage

With this year's World Cup drawing renewed global attention to the sport, Rucker hopes fans look beyond the stadium lights to see soccer's power to build community, particularly through the Homeless World Cup, an international tournament supported by Street Soccer USA that brings together teams of people who have experienced homelessness.

"I was lucky enough to be at the Homeless World Cup when it was hosted in Sacramento, and it completely changed my perspective," Rucker said. "It was such a powerful reminder that soccer really is so much bigger than the game itself."

Asked to sum up Street Soccer USA in three words, Rucker didn't hesitate: community, belonging and opportunity.

"Every person who walks into a Street Soccer program is given a place where they belong, a community that's there to support them, and opportunities that go far beyond soccer," she said. "I've been lucky enough to see that firsthand, and it's one of the biggest reasons why this organization means so much to me."