Easily the most recognizable name when it comes to U.S. women’s soccer fans, Mia Hamm earned recognition for her historic contribution to American culture as she became the first U.S. soccer player to get inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame. Hamm, now 49, played for the U.S. Women’s National Team during the golden era of U.S. soccer from 1987 to 2004, and is one of the most prolific scorers of all-time. She also had a dominant college career at North Carolina, and played professionally for the Washington Freedom in the now-defunct Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA). Even with a newer generation of players, Hamm is still an inspiration for young girls, is an active member of the community, and a major supporter in the fight for equal pay.
Prior to her astonishing professional career, Hamm was a standout star at the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill). She led the Tar Heels to four straight NCAA Championships, earned Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Player of the Year three times, ACC Female Athlete of the Year Twice, and set conference records for goals scored (103), and assists (72). In 2003, Ten years after Hamm graduated from North Carolina, she was listed alongside Micheal Jordan as the best athletes in ACC history in the conference’s first 50 years of existence. In 2008, Hamm was inducted into the North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame.
Hamm made her U.S. debut in 1987 at the age of 15,making her the youngest player to debut in a U.S. Soccer game in history. From that point forward, Hamm was lights out. She would play in every world cup from 1991 to 2003, with the U.S. winning it all in 1991 and again in 1999. Hamm also played in every Olympics from 1996 to 2004, with the U.S. winning Gold in 1996 and 2004. Hamm would finish her international career having played in 276 games for the United States, and scored 158 international goals. While playing for the Washington Freedom from 2001 to 2003, Hamm scored 25 goals in 49 games. In 2007, Hamm was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in her first year on the ballot.
Mia Hamm and eight other individuals will be inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame during a ceremony on October 2, 2021 in Seneca Falls, New York.
For more visit Talking Points Sports.
