New Voices: Carli Lloyd can't wait to get back on the field

We're happy to announce that Delran native and U.S. women's national soccer team star Carli Lloyd has joined Philly.com's team of New Voices. Read our Q&A with Lloyd here, and watch for more exclusive columns in the future.

When I was asked to do a blog for Philly.com, I jumped on board immediately. I grew up in the Philly area, supporting Philly teams and hanging out in Philly. I love Philadelphia and I am looking forward to this opportunity to write my thoughts and share them with you monthly.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the support of my team and the individual support you have given me over the years. It means a lot knowing that the city nearest to my home has acknowledged my accomplishments thus far in my career. Thank you.

I tossed around the idea of what the main topic of my first blog should be and I felt the best way to begin is by updating you on my status and what you can expect from women's soccer over the next 3 years.

On a personal level, I'm doing great and recovering. After the Olympics I got back to training just 4 weeks after winning Olympic Gold (for the 2nd time). I elevated my game and felt in the best form of my life. But then I broke the humerus bone near my shoulder and have been sidelined for 8 weeks. Being injured has put a pause into my game. I have had to wait for everything to heal and a new rebuild phase to arrive. It's nearly here and I can't wait to get back on the field.

2013 is an exciting time for the women's game. US Soccer has put together a new women's professional league; the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). 8 pro teams from around the country are currently competing to become the NWSL Champions. The league has started and I will be playing for the Western New York Flash. I look forward to helping the game grow in this newly formed league. I have always supported a women's pro league as it gives the young female soccer players a pathway all the way from local youth soccer to the pro's. It also exposes young females to role models with which they can identify.

When away from my club team I will continue play for the USA Women's National Team. At the end of 2013 we have some challenging games coming up and in 2014 we begin World Cup qualification games. We will be competing against the 12 neighboring countries for 3.5 spots that go through to play in the 2015 Women's World Cup in Canada. In 2016 we go for another Gold Medal at the Brazil Olympics.

So there is a lot to look forward to for me and for all the soccer fans that follow women's soccer. Through this blog I will take you through my adventure as I navigate through the life of a professional soccer player who also gets to represent the USA and the Philadelphia area.