The United States National Women’s Soccer Team has proven to be a dominant force throughout the Olympic Games, displaying unwavering determination and embodying a never-give-up attitude. In a thrilling semi-final clash, the American’s secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Germany, earning their place in the final and underscoring their resolute commitment to excellence.
Established in 1985, the United States National Women’s Soccer Team stands as the most decorated women’s football team in Olympic History, having claimed victory in four of the tournament’s first five editions. As they continue their remarkable journey, it is essential to acknowledge that the team’s storied legacy is rooted in the extraordinary contributions of athletes, both past and present.
Megan Rapinoe
Megan Rapinoe has been a transformative force for the United States National Women’s Soccer Team, leaving an indelible mark over a remarkable 17-year career. Her storied achievements include an Olympic gold medal and two World Cup titles, with her Olympic debut at the 2012 London Games marking the beginning of a legendary Olympic journey that saw the U.S secure gold. Accumulating 203 caps since 2006, Rapinoe is celebrated not only for her inventive and skilful play on the field but also for her impactful activism beyond the pitch.
As a prominent member of the LGBTQI+ community, Megan Rapinoe has been a powerful advocate for queer rights. Her commitment extends to philanthropic efforts with organisations such as the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee. In 2013, Rapinoe took on the role of ambassador for Athlete Ally, a nonprofit dedicated to combating homophobia and transphobia in sports. In an interview with Time Magazine, she reflected on her journey, stating, “I’m gay and my whole life makes sense now. For a long time, I was the only player that was out.” She went on to explain, “And so just being the only spokesperson and making sure I’m setting the right example, saying the right things, whether it comes to gay marriage or difficult and nuanced topics like trans inclusion in sports.”
In addition to her advocacy for LGBTQI+ rights, Rapinoe is a constant advocate of gender equality within sports. Her commitment to this cause is evident through her involvement in the women’s national team’s equal pay complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, a battle she has been engaged in since at least 2016.
Alex Morgan
Alex Morgan stands as a pivotal figure in the history of the United States National Women’s Soccer League. Having co-captained the national team alongside Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe from 2018 to 2020, Morgan’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the team’s success. Drafted first overall in the 2011 WPS Draft, she has consistently made her mark across various teams throughout her career. Her remarkable performance at the 2012 London Olympics, where she scored the game-winning goal in the 123rd minute of the semi-final against Canada, was crucial in securing the gold medal for the U.S. Morgan’s impressive list of accolades includes being named CONCACAF Player of the Year four times—in 2013, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Beyond her athletic prowess, Morgan is a dedicated advocate for gender equality and LGBTQI+ rights, and she has set a powerful example by balancing her career with motherhood in women’s football.
Morgan has used her influence to advocate for issues that extend beyond the field of play. In 2019, Morgan, along with 27 of her U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team teammates, took legal action against the United States Soccer Federation, alleging discrimination and seeking to secure equal pay for their contributions. Speaking with Pop Sugar, “I want to continue to demand excellence of myself, and I want to do things that my family and my daughter would be proud of,” Morgan said. “Fighting for gender equality, fighting for human rights, fighting for [the] LGBTQ community, those are really passionate things that I care about, that are meaningful. You only get a short period of time to feel like your voice is being heard by an incredible amount of people.”
In 2020, Alex Morgan welcomed her daughter Charlie into the world, a moment that has deeply influenced her perspective on her role as both a mother and an elite athlete. Morgan aspires to be a role model for the next generation, including her young daughter, echoing the inspiration she drew from her own childhood heroes. She has openly discussed the challenges of balancing motherhood with the demands of professional sports, describing it as “incredibly challenging at times, but even more rewarding.” Morgan aims to instil in Charlie the same strong work ethic and determination that she has herself through her continued advocacy.
Moreover, Morgan was one of the first women players to join the player-led initiative Common Goal, alongside Megan Rapinoe. Through this campaign, Morgan contributes one percent of her salary to support various football-related charities, demonstrating her commitment to giving back to the sport.
Samantha Mewis
Samantha Mewis is one of the most decorated winners in United States Soccer history. Mewis is one of the few players in United States history to win a FIFA youth Women’s World Cup, a senior Women’s World Cup, a professional championship – where she has won three, and a NCAA title. Notably, Mewis, alongside her sister Kristie Mewis, became the first siblings to represent the United States at the Women’s World Cup.
In 2024, Mewis announced her retirement from professional football, a decision prompted by persistent ankle and knee injuries that plagued her during the latter part of her career. These chronic injuries ultimately made it untenable for her to continue competing at the highest level. Despite stepping away from the field, Mewis remains actively engaged with the sport, now contributing as a passionate supporter rather than a player.
Samantha Mewis has taken on a prominent role as editor-in-chief at The Women’s Game, where she leverages her platform to engage with female footballers from around the world. Through her position, Mewis addresses relevant topics in women’s football and provides a space for her guests to voice their perspectives. Recently, she has been vocal about the controversy surrounding Korbin Albert, who faced backlash in March for reposting a TikTok video featuring a sermon that criticised being gay and identifying as transgender. She stated, “Zooming out, making an apology is a solid first step. And I think you and I in many cases want to leave room for there to be growth and a change in behaviour. But first and foremost, I don’t accept intolerance or the exclusion of people on a human level.”
Brandi Chastain
Ripping off her United States Jersey and falling to her knees with passion and relief, many know Brandi Chastain from her celebration at the historic 1999 Women’s World Cup which has become one of the most iconic images in sport.
Brandi Chastain was a key figure in the 1999 Women’s World Cup, a tournament that fundamentally transformed women’s football both in the United States and globally. Her decisive penalty kick secured the victory for the U.S., marking a pivotal moment in the match. This iconic moment not only clinched the title but also served as a profound source of inspiration for the next generation of soccer players in America. Speaking to FIFA, 2015 Women’s World Cup Winner Sydney Leroux said, “[The 1999 tournament] is why I’m here, it’s why I’m in the US and playing for the US.” She continued, “After seeing that as a nine-year-old, I knew what I wanted to do and who I wanted to play for.”
After a distinguished career, Chastain has emerged as a leading advocate for mental health. In honour of Mental Health Awareness Month, she collaborated with the Child Mind Institute to share her personal journey and offer valuable insights on maintaining mental well-being. Drawing from her experiences as both a parent and former athlete, Chastain highlighted several key strategies: the significance of mindfulness and open communication within family sports, the benefits of meditation and nature for stress relief, and the power of positive visualization for enhancing performance and self-confidence. Chastain stands out as one of the elite athletes who have joined the Child Mind Institute’s Mental Health Fitness campaign, underscoring the critical need to balance mental health with physical fitness.
Kristine Lilly
Kristine Lilly holds the unique distinction of being the only player to have competed in five FIFA Women’s World Cups. No other player globally has matched her record of international appearances. Over an illustrious 23-year career, Lilly has amassed an impressive 354 caps for the United States, earning her the esteemed title of “Queen of Caps.” At just 16 years old, she made her debut for the United States Women’s National Team while still in high school. She then went on to play for the University of North Carolina, leading the team to four NCAA championships between 1989 and 1992. Throughout her international career, she scored 130 goals for the United States, ranking as the team’s fourth highest scorer, trailing only Carli Lloyd, Mia Hamm, and Abby Wambach.
In 2015, she was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame, capping a career adorned with numerous accolades, including three Olympic medals and five Women’s World Cup medals. Yet, beyond the statistics and trophies, a moment from the historic 1999 Women’s World Cup that did not show up on the scoresheet remains her most memorable.
In a climactic final of the 1999 Women’s World Cup, the United States faced China. The game was extended into extra time and ultimately went to a penalty shootout between the two countries. Brandi Chastain delivered the decisive penalty that secured the historic victory for the United States. However, that iconic moment was led by Lilly’s crucial header in the game, which cleared a strong shot from China that had glided past goalkeeper Briana Scurry, keeping the scoreline level. Kristine Lilly played a key role throughout the match, and made her impact in the penalty shootout, though it was Chastain’s penalty that ultimately pushed the nation to a victory.
“The funny thing is the weakest part of my game is heading,” Lilly said years later. “There are so many moments that make a success and granted, me heading off the line was like ‘Whaaaa?’ but I’m just glad I was there to make it. Everyone remembers the Brandi moment and I love it, too.”
Mia Hamm
Mia Hamm is an iconic figure in women’s football, renowned for her remarkable career that concluded with 276 international appearances, 158 goals, and an impressive array of medals. As a pivotal member of the United States National Women’s Soccer Team, Hamm helped secure two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles, including the inaugural tournament in 1991. She was part of the historic team who helped the United States bring home a gold medal victory at the first Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in Atlanta.
In an interview with Inside FIFA, Hamm reflected on the impact of the Olympics, stating “The Olympics connected us to outside of the football community, and really helped build our game in the United States, which catapulted us and enabled us to make the 1999 Women’s World Cup the success that it was.” She added, “You know, people knew who we were, knew our first and last names, and were excited to get on board and support our team, and to support the beautiful game.”
Mia Hamm’s contributions to the sport extend beyond her accolades, on-field achievements and transformative impact. Alongside the legendary “99ers,” Hamm ignited a transformative movement in the sport, one that remains to this day. Despite it being two decades since Hamm last represented her country, her influence remains profound. Mia Hamm is widely credited with elevating women’s football, inspiring an entire generation of young players, both girls and boys. She has gracefully passed the torch to future generations, who have continued to push the boundaries in the sport and uphold the ‘never-give-up’ attitude. Her influence has sparked growth and change long after her final game, showing how the sport has flourished and evolved in her absence.
Reflecting on the upcoming final between the United States and Brazil, Hamm expressed her anticipation for the match, stating, “It’s two teams who are going to play with enthusiasm and joy and play the full 90 or 120 minutes – however long it takes. Of course, I’ll be rooting for the USA, as I’ve worn that jersey, but I’m excited; I think we’re very fortunate to have this final.” She continued, “I don’t think you could have asked for a better final.”
As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games approach their climatic final stage, the world’s attention will turn to an exhilarating showdown between the United States and Brazil. The spotlight will be fixed on the red, white and blue of the United States National Women’s Soccer Team as they compete for their first gold medal since 2012.
Photo: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/oct/23/the-joy-of-six-iconic-sports-p
Megan Rapinoe for Time Magazine: https://time.com/6188583/megan-rapinoe-equal-pay-title-ix-transgender-sports-bans/
Alex Morgan for Pop Sugar: https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/alex-morgan-interview-world-cup-role-model-women-49203147
Brandi Chastain: https://edition.cnn.com/2023/08/17/sport/womens-world-cup-brandi-chastain-penalty-spt-intl/index.html
