Professional soccer player Carli Lloyd delivered the keynote speech Friday at the New Jersey Youth Soccer awards dinner.

Lloyd, a Delran native, plays professionally for the Sky Blue Football Club based in Piscataway.

The star player tells the young players that they may only see the big moments, but that they should focus on the whole journey.

“There’s times when you face injuries. There’s times when you get cut from the team. There’s times when you don’t start. There’s so many different obstacles I’m facing throughout my career. Still facing,” she says.

The 35-year-old was traded from the Houston team to New Jersey. She also performed a hat trick in the World Cup final. She says that she still has big plans.

“It’s a dream come true…to be back home in New Jersey. I love New Jersey. My husband and I have roots here,” she says. “I’ve got another couple of years I want to finish out. I’ve got more to write to this story. I know the best is yet to come.”

Lloyd is a Rutgers graduate. Sky Blue plays its home games at Rutgers.