Mia Hamm

Mariel Margaret Hamm was born on March 17, 1972 in Selma, Alabama. While growing up she hated to lose. Often she would simply quit a game before it ended...that way she wouldn't really lose, because she had quit before she could. This did not go over too well with her 5 siblings, who eventually just stopped playing with her. This attitude came to a stop though, when she discovered soccer at age 7.

 

If you were to speak with Mia you would never believe that the soft-spoken, sincere person you were talking to was one of the fiercest strikers in the game of soccer today. Her career as a player started when she was young. She attended Notre Dame High School in Texas and Lake Braddock Secondary School in Burke, Virginia. After high school she went on the the University of North Carolina (UNC). While there she was on the team that captured four NCAA championships. She ended her college career as the ACC's All-time scorer in goals (103), assists (72), and points (278)! The University retired her college jersey.

 

Her career with the USA team began at age 15. She was the youngest player to ever play for the national team. She was on the 1991 team that competed in the World Cup. In 1995 she started in all five games of the World Cup in Sweden, scoring two goals. In that same year she led the team in scoring with 19 goals and six assists in 16 games.

 

In the first round of the Olympic games in Atlanta, Georgia, Mia sprained her ankle. She overcame her injury and was able to join the team in their victories in the semifinal and final rounds, earning the team the gold medal.

 

Mia is an incredible player who's presence is felt on the field. She has been honored countless times for her determination and skill. She is still a member of the national team that is now preparing for the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 Olympic Games that will be held in Sydney, Australia.

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