In Episode 37 of The Soccer Ladder, Megan and Liam sit down with Lou Ruffien, French Youth National Team player, Paris FC academy standout, and incoming Harvard Women's Soccer student-athlete.

After representing France at the UEFA U-17 European Championship and FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, Lou shares what it's really like to compete at the highest levels of youth soccer, adapt to life in Europe, and prepare for the next chapter at Harvard. She also opens up about resilience, mental performance, and the lessons she's learned through both triumphs and setbacks.

In this episode, we discuss:

⚽ Representing France at the U-17 Euros and FIFA U-17 World Cup

⚽ Choosing Harvard over a professional contract

⚽ The differences between academy soccer and international football

⚽ The importance of versatility and adapting to new positions

⚽ How mental coaching transformed her confidence and consistency

⚽ What French coaches value most in young players

⚽ Balancing pressure, setbacks, and confidence

⚽ Why surrounding yourself with the right people matters

⚽ Advice for young girls pursuing high-level soccer

⚽ Her goals of playing professionally and representing France's senior national team

Follow:

📲 Lou Ruffien: @lou.ruffien11

📲 Paris FC Féminines: @parisfc_feminines

📲 Harvard Women's Soccer: @harvardwsoccer

Follow The Soccer Ladder:

📲 Instagram: @meganlinkeofficial

📲 Instagram: @liamlinke18

🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with elite players, coaches, and leaders shaping the future of the game. ⚽️🔥