The Women’s Game is an exclusive editorial series written by writer, broadcaster, and former college and pro soccer player Renee Washington for BrooklynFootballClub.com. Each week, Renee goes behind the scenes with Brooklyn FC Women, giving unique insights into the squad and sharing stories of the people behind the crest.
Lauren Gogal has always been a dreamer.
Long before professional contracts, cross-country moves and a debut in El Salvador, the Brooklyn FC defender was a five-year-old who fell in love with soccer.
Years later, that same belief has carried Gogal through a career defined as much by persistence as opportunity.
“I have a lot of big dreams in life, but I think that is what makes each person special and unique,” Gogal says. “I never see ‘crazy, ;I just see ‘possible.’ I want to inspire people to always chase what they really want in life and what they are the most passionate about.”
The Long Road to the Professional Game
Gogal’s path was rarely straightforward. She began her college career as a walk-on at Virginia Tech and finished it as a starter for the Hokies’ run to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament during her senior year.
After graduation, despite her accomplishments at the collegiate level, she was forced to wait nearly a year before a professional opportunity arrived.
“My entire life, I have always been a dreamer,” Gogal says. “For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to play professionally, and I am very driven and passionate in achieving the goals that I set for myself. I take pride in being an underdog and having to work through obstacles because I truly believe when you want something bad enough there is a path out there to succeed.”
That path took her from centVirginia Tech to a summer league team in Kentucky, and then to the Washington Spirit.
She made her professional debut in the Concacaf W Champions Cup in El Salvador. A short-term contract with the Utah Royals followed before her journey eventually brought her to Brooklyn.
For Gogal, the willingness to dream big was nurtured long before she had to navigate the uncertainty of professional soccer.
“I grew up in a big, competitive family who has always supported me in becoming a professional athlete,” Gogal said. “I can remember the endless 1v1s against one of my older brothers and the countless hours we all spent playing every sport possible.”
Her family taught her that dreaming and working had to go together.
“My family always pushed my siblings and me to reach big but also to know the work it was going to take to get there,” she says.
Finding Strength in the Setbacks
Gogal signed with Brooklyn FC in December 2025 and made her debut just before the winter break. But soon after arriving, she encountered another challenge: an injury that limited her to just three total appearances on the season.
“Getting injured soon after arriving in Brooklyn was both mentally and physically challenging,” Gogal said. “However, it forced me to have a different outlook on how quickly things can change, and to never take a single day for granted.”
The time away gave her a new appreciation for her journey to be a professional soccer player.
“Coming back and being able to lace up again has been one of the biggest blessings of my professional career, and I am so happy to be able to do what I love again,” she said.
BKFC Women’s General Manager Samantha Johnson has watched that work unfold throughout Gogal’s return.
“Lauren has been a true professional in her rehab and RTP program,” Johnson said. “She has shown real resilience to make her way back to full fitness. I look forward to seeing her continue to integrate herself back into the team.”
Faith at the Forefront
Through the highs, lows and uncertainty, Gogal points to her faith as the foundation that keeps her moving forward towards her goals.
“Despite the dreams and goals I set for myself, I know these achievements will never give me the same fulfillment as a relationship with God,” Gogal said. “Although I have never been perfect and at times struggle to see God’s plan, I know that my faith is the forefront purpose of my life.”
That perspective has been especially important at times when her path has not made sense.
“Sometimes I struggle to understand the reasoning for when things go wrong personally or professionally, but I then remember that in the toughest of moments our faith is tested and gives me an opportunity to trust in God’s greater plan for my life,” she said. “This has truly been the core reason for what has kept me going throughout the challenges I have faced in my career and life as a whole.”
For Gogal, she has had multiple reminders of where the journey began including her No. 22. It was her first soccer number and remains special because it connects her to the little girl who first fell in love with the game — and reminds her to stay grateful that she still gets to play it.
DID YOU KNOW?
Gogal’s competitive streak does not end on the soccer field. After losing her taste and smell from COVID, she entered Virginia Tech Athletics’ annual hot wing eating contest believing she might escape the burn. She quickly learned otherwise — but still finished second.
She later tried a hot dog eating contest between Virginia Tech football and soccer. That one, she admits, “did not end great,” but was worth the memories.
UP Next
Gogal and the Brooklyn FC Women take on the Tampa Bay Sun on Saturday, October 24. Kickoff is at 4:00 PM.
