Darling Issue No. 12 features #USWNT

The Summer issue of Darling Magazine features exclusive portraits with familiar #USWNT faces - Whitney Engen, Christine Press, Ashlyn Harris, Tobin Heath and Megan Rapinoe. While you would agree that their off-the-pitch look for the photo shoot is in stark contrast to how you usually see them in their soccer uniforms, it also produced some unique and fantastic photographs.

The focus of Darling Magazine is to empower women to embrace who they are.

usoccer.com had a chance to chat with Engen and Harris about the shoot and both players were thrilled with how their photos turned out, noting the unique element that Darling doesn’t re-touch any of their photos.

“It’s about showing real women and it’s important for young girls to see that we’re just like them,” said Engen. “The pictures aren’t re-touched so looking at my picture the first time, I saw the worst farmer’s tan ever, because there is a distinct line where my t-shirt ends. Most people won’t notice it, but looking at myself, it was the very first thing I noticed!” (Ed. Note: The photos were taken during January camp at the Stub Hub Center. And when you’re on the field every day in a pre-World Cup camp in Los Angeles, you’re bound get a tan line that matches your training kit!).

“But I love the photo because that tells my story,” Engen continued. “I have that tan line because of what I do for a living. It’s who I am and I’m lucky to be out in the sun doing what I love every single day.”

“I love that they let me express my art in a cutoff t-shirt. They just let me be me,” said Harris, as she echoed Engen’s appreciation for showing real images without edits. “We pulled our own looks from a rack and they told us to wear whatever we felt comfortable and beautiful in.”

You can pick up a copy of Darling Magazine to see some of your favorite player’s from a new perspective before the World Cup kicks off later this week. It’s darling!