United States Women’s Soccer Team Motivates All, (Including Guys)

When I was 11 years-old, Mia Hamm and the United States women’s soccer team won the World Cup in historic fashion!  I was glued to the TV and couldn’t manage to get myself ready for my own little league game.  It was overtime and the game had gone into penalty kicks.  After the first eight players took their shots, it came down to Brandi Chastain.  She shot, the goalie missed and next thing I knew Chastain ripped off her jersey in triumph as I stood there shocked.  I wasn’t sure whether to go crazy because they won the World Cup or to just stare at the shirtless lady!

In my eyes, that moment defined women’s athletics forever!  Beautiful, athletic girls could beat the crap out of teams; it inspired a generation of girls.  That first wave of that generation of girls just won the Gold medal in the 2012 Olympics. 

After last summer’s 2011 World Cup, and having Japan defeat the U.S. in the Finals, the team was ready for vengeance.  Last summer, Americans really got behind this team led by Abby Wambach, Hope Solo and the youngster Alex Morgan.  Between this summer and last, the women prepared harder than ever, and it paid off.  An exciting finish to the quarterfinals, when Alex Morgan scored the winning goal in the 2OT carrying the women to the finals.  They got their wish, Japan vs. USA Part II, and for those of us who don’t have NBC Sports Network, (don’t get me started), the US women prevailed 2-1! 

It’s great to see the support the women have been receiving.  The recognition that they have earned and that they deserve has finally come full circle.  Young girls wanting to grow up to be the next Mia Hamm are Alex Morgan and company.  Now young girls want to aspire to be them. 

Guys, take note.  I saw more tweets and posts about the women’s soccer team than I did about the men’s team, (didn’t qualify this year).  It’s refreshing to see young, female athletes bust their tail to work for one goal.  In this case a few goals!