Biel grew up playing soccer and training as a level six gymnast. She attended Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, from 2000 to 2002. While at Tufts, she played on the women's soccer team. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in physical education. After graduating from Tufts, Biel played professional soccer for five seasons. In 2007, she joined the Western New York Flash of the Women's Professional Soccer league as their leading scorer. She left after one season to pursue a career in acting. In 2010, Biel made her debut on the big screen in the film The Nanny Diaries. She played the role of Lucy Barton, a young girl who befriends the daughter of former president Bill Clinton (played by Ben Affleck). The film was based on the novel of the same name by Jennifer Weiner. It received positive reviews from critics and became a success at the box office. Biel has been nominated for two Young Artist Awards for her work in the films The Nanny Diaries and The Blind Side. She won the award for Best Supporting Actress for her work in the first film. In 2011, Biel had a lead role in the movie The Paperboy.