AGE: 33
POSITION: Forward
TEAM: U.S. Women’s National, San Diego Wave
CLAIM TO FAME: One of the most prolific scorers in U.S. soccer history, a two-time World Cup champion and an Olympic Gold Medalist
PERSONAL: A fierce advocate for equality and reform in the sport
MY JOURNEY TO THE WORLD CUP was different than a lot of soccer players nowadays. Growing up, I watched as the U.S. hosted—and won—the 1999 women’s World Cup. It drew a huge number of fans and eyes on the tournament, raising soccer to an unprecedented level of recognition in the U.S. It was a pivotal moment for me; soccer could be a global event—and a full time job.
But playing in a World Cup wasn’t a tangible dream of mine until I was 18 years old, when I got called up to the U.S. under-20 women’s national team. I realized I could make the senior national team and play in a World Cup—experience something I’d only ever
