Before the roar of the crowd or the flash of the cameras, the real work is already underway. For U.S. Soccer stars Tyler Adams and Crystal Dunn, success isn't measured solely by goals or trophies—it's built on the unseen routines, relationships, and cultural grounding that keep them at their peak. These quiet "assists" are the backbone of their careers, making it possible to perform on the world's biggest stages.

Crystal Dunn, a 33-year-old World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist, knows this balancing act better than most. Growing up in New Hyde Park, New York, she carried the energy of her Long Island roots into every match. Now, as a mother to a four-year-old son, her definition of support has evolved. It's about the discipline of self-care and the intentionality of raising a mixed-race child in a multicultural household—a role that demands as much strength off the field as on it.

Tyler Adams, the 27-year-old captain of the U.S. Men's National Team, shares that same New York grit. Raised in Wappingers Falls, he credits his mother's early sacrifices for his journey from the Red Bulls Academy to AFC Bournemouth in the English Premier League. His commitment to the region is permanent: as owner of the Hudson Valley Hammers and a member of the ownership group for Westchester SC, Adams is investing in the next generation of players who look like him. For him, building local soccer infrastructure is the ultimate way to pay it forward.

In an exclusive conversation, both athletes opened up about what that support really looks like beyond the highlight reels. Their reflections come as part of a new campaign from Haleon, the consumer health company behind brands like Advil and Centrum, in partnership with U.S. Soccer. The "For the Assist" initiative shines a light on the unseen work—the mental preparation, the family support, the cultural identity—that fuels greatness. Because for stars like Dunn and Adams, every great performance starts with the people and practices that help them show up, day after day.