Drive manifests in various forms—whether fueled by desire, fear, or pride. For Karlie Lema, a senior standout on the No. 22 California women’s soccer team, it springs from her competitive spirit and a childhood steeped in athletic contests. Lema, who currently leads the nation in goals and points, hails from Morgan Hill, California, where her family’s rich athletic legacy set the stage for her own remarkable journey.
Growing up in a household filled with athletes, Lema was constantly surrounded by competition. Her father, Dave, played football at San Jose City College, while her mother, Annie, ran track at Northern Colorado. Lema is one of five siblings and step-siblings, all of whom engaged in sports from a young age. “There was never a dull moment. Everything is a competition,” she recalled with a smile, recounting playful rivalries that ranged from who made it to the dinner table first to various athletic contests.
Finding Her Passion for Soccer
Lema’s foray into soccer began later than many of her Division I peers, starting at age 10 after being inspired by her stepbrother, Drew Bergholz, who played the sport. “I saw [Bergholz] playing and thought I’d kind of like to try that,” Lema said, expressing how quickly she fell in love with the game. Soon after, she was playing on her stepbrother’s team in a boys league, a challenging environment that she credits for toughening her up and honing her competitive edge.