Written by John Brice
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Family environment and genetics supplied a measure of predestination for Korbin Albert.
Notre Dame’s precocious All-American midfielder was taking care of the rest in youth soccer – or even beforehand.
And by the time she was growing closer to middle school competition, Albert was flashing her ambidextrous skillset against adult males in her Chicagoland home.
Today, her historic ascent continues. Albert has inked with globally iconic Paris Saint-Germain to embark on her professional soccer career in the renowned Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).
Oui, oui, c’est vrai. @Korbinalbert2 has signed with @PSG_Feminines!
Good luck in Paris! #GoIrish ☘️ pic.twitter.com/bLfIYMl61T
— ND Women’s Soccer (@NDSoccer) January 31, 2023
Fresh off a two-year tour de force at Notre Dame, Albert is headed to a soccer institution where its stars are revered by single names.
“It’s not even (just) on the girls’ side; the men’s side has Mbappe, Messi and Neymar,” Albert, a Grayslake, Illinois, native, said. “So that influenced my decision a lot. Messi is an idol; a big person I look up to. Once I heard about PSG, I was like, ‘Wow! That’s crazy. There’s no way this is happening.’ But I just saw that opportunity and thought I just need to take it before it’s gone.
“The teammates here, my coaches, my friends, everyone that’s supported me has really helped me grow in that direction. I would say the coaches challenged me every single practice, every single game, to be the best that I could be. And I think that helped prepare me to be where I am at now.”
Her placement is on the precipice of history. Following a meteoric career for the Fighting Irish, during which her superlatives include 28 career goals and 65 points in just 44 career games, as well as a signature hat-trick signature outing against Florida State in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament semifinals, Albert is here because of lifelong preparation.
Her mother, Janet, a former track and field All-America selection at the University of Iowa, does not recall a time her daughter hasn’t had a ball at foot.
And no challenges could thwart Korbin Albert’s determination – in a family of athletes that included brothers DJ and Keaton playing collegiate soccer as well as sister, Teagon, being a soccer and swimming athlete at Olivet Nazarene University.
“It’s been a journey trying to get her always being…