Penn State alumni Ali Krieger and Andrew Moses sat down virtually Thursday afternoon to discuss leadership, success, and Krieger’s numerous accolades on a live podcast.

Andrew Moses graduated from Penn State in 2007 with an accounting degree from the Smeal College of Business. Thursday’s Zoom event was a live version of his “Everybody Pulls The Tarp” podcast.

Viewers tuned in from over 16 different countries for the event.

“It’s just a true testament to the fact that Penn Staters are everywhere, Ali Krieger’s fans are everywhere,” Moses said. “And people all over the world are just inspired by great leadership, great teamwork, and tremendous work ethic.”

Krieger hopped on the Zoom call while on an off day from training camp for the United States Women’s National Team. Moses and Krieger discussed the sacrifices that the soccer star notably had to have made in her career to get her to the playing level she is at today.

“The work that we do is a 24-hour job. You’re sacrificing your time with your family and your friends,” Krieger said. “You’re sacrificing holidays, you’re sacrificing weddings and funerals. Time. Quality time with the people that you love. It’s difficult, but this job is what we love to do.”

Krieger and Moses discussed how knowing your role and responsibilities are a crucial part of being successful in any field.

“I think that you have to have a good understanding of your role in order to be successful,” Krieger said. “If you understand what is expected of you and you understands the certain standards you are willing to bring to the table and to that role, that’s when you find success.”

Krieger said her decision to play soccer abroad in Germany was one of the best decisions she has made in her career. She credited her coach and his family for being a second family to her and helping her adapt to the new country and all of the challenges that came along with it.

“After three months I literally wanted to come home because I was crying after practice. In American culture, we’re very positive and that’s just naturally how we are, encouraging on the field,” Krieger said. “Well over there, they are very blunt and very honest and you have to have thick skin. I didn’t really have a good understanding of that right when I went over.”

The United States Women’s National Team is known for its rigorous training, tough schedule, and insanely satisfying victories. No matter the pitch they step foot on, the team always seems prepared and is widely known as the best team in the world.

“I’m training with the first and second-best team in the world. That’s not something I think is arrogant or cocky to say, I just believe in that. That’s what makes us the best because we train with such good players every day that you are challenged, and you are influenced and inspired by good players.” Krieger said. “There are players here that are better than I am, and that’s what I love about being here because I can grow and I can get better.”

Krieger and Moses both explained how Penn State has taught them how to be a professional in any career venture.

“Penn State is where I gained that experience of rolling my sleeves up and really getting after things,” Krieger said. “And wanting to be a professional and really continue my career and having a good understanding of, ‘Wow this can be something I can actually pursue after school. This is something that I’m driven to do and I’m born to do.'”

One curious viewer asked the most important question of the night — Canyon Pizza or College Pizza? Both said College Pizza, but as any Penn Stater would say, sometimes there are just ~those~ late nights where Canyon is an absolute must.