Certified Fun-Haver: Chicago Stars Forward Ally Schlegel Commits to the Bit

often have their own superstitions or accessories they wear for personal reasons, and for Schlegel, The Pink Headband is just that. It all started when her youth soccer team received the headbands as a gift during the SoCal Blues Cup tournament. While most of her teammates abandoned them by the second half, Schlegel kept wearing hers.

Over the years, Schlegel has collected multiple headbands from her teammates, but only a few remain as souvenirs of her journey. Despite the dwindling number of actual headbands, she contemplates whether it might be time to retire The Pink Headband and opt for a new look. At 25 years old, she questions if she should go for a sleek bun or stick with her signature headband.

However, Schlegel’s commitment to fun and surprises goes beyond her headband. In a recent game, she made a grand entrance in an inflatable zebra costume, much to the delight of her teammates and fans. This choice of outfit had a deeper meaning for the team, symbolizing unity and resilience inspired by a video they watched together.

For Schlegel, these playful gestures are a way to bond with her team and find their identity as a group. As they navigate the challenges of the season, she believes that maintaining a sense of humor and joy is essential. Playing the sport she loves professionally, Schlegel remains grateful for the opportunity and aims to bring a sense of fun and camaraderie to her team, embracing her role as a “certified fun-haver.”