I had the pleasure of interviewing soccer star and standout athlete, Mo Isom, on Sunday afternoon. I was quite nervous to call up and chat with such an interesting person! She was also interviewed by Ellen DeGeneres last week, so just a little bit of pressure. Mo has overcome such tragedy that struck in such a short period of time that most of us can’t imagine in a lifetime. She continues to rise above the adversity thrown in her path and continues to shine as the star she was born to be. It was an honor and privilege speaking with her and hearing a little bit more of her story and her style. I hope you enjoy this article as much as I enjoyed interviewing her. Also, please continue to follow her on her journey and support her and she tries out again in August as the kicker for LSU’s football team. Even though I’m a long time Gamecock, I have to say ‘Geaux tigers!’
Mo and Samantha Abrahart, founder of Southern and City, have been long friends as their mutual love of soccer brought them together. A year ahead of Sam in school, they stayed close friends and continued to support each other’s aspirations. Mo has been playing soccer for LSU for the past four years. A goalkeeper for the tigers, she was an integral part of the team from the start of her career. After the suicide of her father and a devastating car accident, all within two years time, Mo could have easily given up. However, after speaking with her personally, I can attest that is not in her nature. She went on to gain countless victories for LSU and win many awards individually.
Never one to stop challenging herself, Mo decided to try out for kicker for the LSU football team. The first woman ever in SEC history. Although she did not make the team in March, Coach Miles has given her constructive criticism and is hopeful she will come back for tryouts in August. Mo is training hard and putting all she has in to this goal. I firmly believe she will be successive.
If you google Mo, it is evident that she has a very interesting style background. Interestingly enough, she was raised competing in pageants and modeling; even crowned LSU’s Homecoming Queen! She is far from a one-dimensional athlete. I asked Mo to describe her style to me and her words were on point. “Tailored and classic but with a flair. I love a pop of color or fun jewelry. I like things to look unique but modest.” She admits that she was a bit of tomboy growing up and has just now found her passion for fashion at 22. She does love to mix and match and come up with a look that is all her own, the definition of personal style.
I can imagine it has to be difficult to be surrounded by testosterone all day and then dress up to go out at night with the girls. I asked Mo if she found this a problem and she laughed in response. She loves the idea of getting to dress up and having a special night out. It’s as if she flips a switch! Mo estimates she spends about 70% of her week in work out clothes so the formality of dressing up is a welcome change.
Not only was Mo adamant in supporting Southern and City because of Sam, but also because she believes the clothes are wearable. She owns the cheetah print and floral print rockees and takes them everywhere. When I spoke to her she commented that she was home for just a week and packed both! The bohemian, yet chic vibe really speaks to her. She loves that they are accented pieces that are easy to throw on and effortlessly make an outfit. I couldn’t have said it better myself! (Shop Mo’s favorite looks here: http://southernandcity.com/outerwear)
Before interviewing Mo, I watched her Ellen interview and read some of the comments listed below. Almost everyone was in full support of her dream and in awe of her strength. There were words of encouragement and recognition. However, I think my favorite comment had to be “She looks like Kate Middleton!!” When I brought this up to Mo I could literally hear her blush over the phone. She laughed and was very flattered but said something that really struck me. “I love her style and her look but I don’t really channel anyone’s style. I just admire and try to find what’s right for my body type.” Not everyone is built like Kate Middleton. It’s refreshing to hear from someone that has the ability to be such a role model that it is okay to be different shapes and sizes. The beauty of individuality falls in the flaws and differences and I think that is something Mo Isom believes deeply.
My final question for Mo was what advice she would give to any young girl pursuing a dream. Not necessarily one of fashion or of athletic ability. She lightly touched on this during her interview with Ellen and gave me the same motto she lives by: “The only thing more dangerous then allowing others to put limitations on what you achieve is letting yourself believe them.” Her words have so much power behind them and such weight. She continued to share that anyone conceiving an idea or dream needs to passionately work toward it, and nothing can handicap you if you invest the time in it. Mo spoke more words of wisdom when she commented to me on the idea of success. ”Commitment to an idea is one thing, but truly pursing a dream and investing and making sacrifices for it, (sic) you can’t help being successful. Even if that success looks different that how you pictured it.”
Mo was a pleasure to interview. Her ease and natural ability to make me feel as if I was speaking with a close friend is a wonderful gift. It is obvious that her relationship with God is something that has really kept her on track and focused. Her relationship with Christ is something to be admired and I truly believe has given her the strength to continue trekking on as a role model, star athlete, FASHION ICON and overall a lovely human being. I wish her all the best!
Keep up to date with all of Mo’s endeavors at http://www.moisom.com and follow her on twitter @moisom89.
Allison XXX
