ASN Soccerpedia

Mia Hamm

Height: 5-5
Caps: 275
Club: Retired
Twitter: @MiaHamm
Date of Birth: March 17, 1972
Place of Birth: Selma, Alabama
Position: Forward

The most recognizable name in women’s soccer history, and the face of U.S. soccer for the better part of 10 years, Mia Hamm has the career, statistics, and accolades to match those impressive honors. The first female team sport superstar, Hamm was a hero to millions of young girls in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. Despite her painstakingly shy personality, Hamm embraced her role as a female role model and helped to spread the popularity of women’s soccer in the U.S.

Hamm won four national championships at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill under legendary coach Anson Dorrance, earning All-American honors twice and only losing one game in the 95 that she played with the Tar Heels. She made her national team debut at age 15, becoming the youngest player in history to play for the US women’s national team. She won a World Cup with the team in 1991 and was instrumental in helping the Stars and Stripes win a gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, the first time women’s soccer was featured at the Games. Hamm continued her dominance of the game, leading the U.S to the 1999 Women’s World Cup title. She scored two goals during the tournament and netted a penalty kick.

Her speed, impeccable vision and deft skill made her a dangerous scoring threat virtually every time she touched the ball and led to a record 158 career goals a U.S. record. Despite being known for her scoring prowess, Hamm was just as gifted at setting up her teammates, finishing her career with 144 assists.

Hamm only played three years of club soccer because of the lack of a women’s professional league during the majority of her career. Hamm signed with the Washington Freedom at the launch of the WUSA in 2001. She played three seasons, mentoring a young Abby Wambach and winning the Founders Cup in 2003. Hamm retired from international soccer in 2003 holding the U.S. and international records for career goals and the U.S. record for careers assists, and still remains a legendary figure in the women’s game.—MAURA GLADYS

Noteworthy Reads

The Essence of Mia (ESPN.com)
Soccer Legend Mia Hamm on Her Life after Soccer (Forbes.com)