There is something special about seeing a hometown story come full circle. For the Bethune family, that circle begins right here in Windward’s Northshore subdivision and stretches all the way to the global stage of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where their daughter, Croix Bethune, stood draped in gold as a member of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team.

Croix’s story is not just one of talent; it is one of grit, grace, and the kind of persistence that makes an entire community proud.

From the moment she could walk, Croix had a ball at her feet. “She used to dribble through the kitchen while I was cooking,” her mom laughed, remembering those early days. “We’d tell her to take a break, but she never really stopped.”

The Bethunes spent several years in England when Croix was little, where she played with the boys’ teams, never intimidated even at age five when the boys were older and bigger. Around that same time, she also tried gymnastics, taking home a gold medal in a youth competition. But it did not take long for soccer to become her true love.

Back in Alpharetta by age eight, Croix’s passion for soccer only grew stronger. She spent countless hours at Webb Bridge Park, practicing her dribbling, perfecting her passing and shooting, showing skill and determination beyond her years. Her early club experiences with Concorde Fire and Alpharetta Ambush helped shape her into a fierce competitor, earning respect from teammates and coaches alike. “She’s always had that drive and was born with God’s gift of self-assurance. We just supported and encouraged whatever she set out to do” her mom said.

Croix’s dedication and relentless work ethic opened doors to some of the nation’s top universities, and she ultimately chose to join University of Southern California. From the start, her collegiate career was defined by both talent and determination. As a dynamic midfielder, she became a driving force for USC, leading the team to numerous victories and earning All-Pac-12 First Team honors for three consecutive years. She made history as the first player to be named Pac-12 Midfielder of the Year in back-to-back seasons and was recognized nationally as a First-Team All-American in both 2021 and 2022.

Her journey was not without challenges. Injuries tested her resilience, yet each time she returned stronger, showcasing the perseverance and leadership that would propel her into a professional career.

Taking advantage of an extra year of eligibility during COVID and while awaiting the draft, Croix transferred to the University of Georgia for her fifth year. She helped lead the Bulldogs to their first ever SEC Championship and earned Second Team All-SEC, Second Team All-American, and MVP honors, adding another layer of achievement to her remarkable collegiate journey.

In early 2024, Croix was drafted in the first round, third overall by the Washington Spirit, where she quickly made her mark as a dynamic midfielder—a position she’s excelled in since childhood. Known to fans as CB7, a nod to both her initials and her signature number, Croix’s quick footwork, creativity, and leadership have made her a standout presence on the field. In her debut season, she earned NWSL Rookie of the Year, Midfielder of the Year, and Best XI First Team honors, solidifying her reputation as one of the league’s most exciting and influential players.

Now living in the suburbs of Northern Virginia, Croix balances her professional career with new ventures, while her parents, who still reside in Windward, attend most of her games to cheer her on. 

Croix’s journey to Olympic gold is the stuff of dreams for any young athlete. Initially named an alternate for the U.S. Women’s National Team heading to Paris, she could hardly imagine what was about to unfold. Just days into the games, the head coach approached her and said, “We need you.”  In that moment, years of dedication, sacrifice, and relentless hard work all converged, her dream was no longer distant, it was happening.

Croix made her Olympic debut with the U.S. Women’s National Team, stepping onto the field and helping bring home gold. For Croix, it was the realization of a lifelong dream—a moment beyond anything she had imagined, the pinnacle of years of hard work and sacrifice. Her parents and brother cheered from the stands, witnessing history in the making. “It was magical,” her mom said. “Seeing her there, it felt like everything she had worked for had come full circle. We thanked God for giving Croix the chance to live out her dream, and we celebrated with her in France—first from the stands, then at the team’s victory party.”

Off the field, Croix continues to make moves with purpose and ambition. She launched her own company, CB7 LLC, to manage speaking engagements, partnerships, and opportunities beyond soccer. A proud Nike athlete, she transitioned from a college NIL deal to a full professional sponsorship. Through CB7, Croix is focused on building her personal brand, inspiring young athletes, and using her platform to empower others.

Family is everything to Croix. Her parents, brother, and grandmother have cheered her on from the very beginning.

For Windward residents watching her shine on the world stage, Croix isn’t just an Olympian, she’s one of us. Her story reminds us that greatness can be homegrown and that dreams can start right here in our own neighborhoods.

Croix Bethune’s journey is a celebration of perseverance, family, and community, a golden reminder that with resilience, dedication, and heart, anything is possible.