Inspiring The Next Generation
As the last of the ticker tape gets cleaned up thoughts turn to the impact the last world cup has had on its next generation. What we supported this past month was the result of these soccer playing women who with painted faces and loud screams cheered on their heroes 16 years ago. A group of women, some with iconic one name status that now refer to themselves as the 99 ers. What was cool was reading the email thread between this group of players in their support of those girls who once supported them. Read on and lets look forward to the next generation of players inspired from their heroes past glory.
7:13 a.m.
From: Julie Foudy
Hope you all are well. I have an idea. If the U.S. wins on Sunday, I have been charged with writing a piece for ESPN to sum it all up.
I, of course, want to do something on the joy we all have in seeing them do well because I am so tired of the narrative around us not wanting them to win. I'd like to just capture the emotions of you all to the moment if they win. I want it to be raw. As they win, soon after they win.
I just think that may be so cool to see... All I need is one to two sentences. Short and sweet summing up how you feel. If you would be so kind as to email me that reply (just to me so as not to kill all your inboxes) that would be great. I will try and wrap it into a neat piece. THANK YOU and hope everyone is well. Holler if anyone else going to be in Vancouver! We can have a little reunion...
Jules
***
12:02 p.m.
From: Julie Foudy
Hi again everyone. I am actually hoping everyone can just reply all with responses as I think it will be fun to see the conversation unfold post game and for everyone to share in that. Plus, I added Coach DiCicco to the chain. Whoop whoop. Now, here's hoping the US can bring back that 3rd World Cup star dammit... I am feeling it. Get 'er done!
Jules
***
4:40 p.m.
From: Saskia Webber
I have been in tears of joy since the Germany game, can't stop crying ... ok it could be early menopause lol. We haven't started the stream right lol? Go USA love u all.
***
6:07 p.m.
From: Tony DiCicco
It is this team's time. They earned it and made us all proud and inspired a country. Soccer is alive and well in large part to these women! Three World Cup Championships to go along with 4 Gold Medals. Great Job '15ers!
***
6:38 p.m.
From: Julie Foudy
Just reading these all and smiling from ear to ear. Love and miss u crazies so much.
***
6:57 p.m.
From: Sara Hess
And away we go... LET'S DO THIS LADIES!!!
***
7:00 p.m.
From: Lorrie Fair
Here we go!
***
7:19 p.m.
From: Mia Hamm
Great idea, Jules. What a performance and statement by this team. You all left no doubt about who is the best in the world. Thank you for taking the game to a new level and inspiring so many of us. World Champions! Enjoy it because you have earned it. Mia
***
7:21 p.m.
From: Carla Overbeck
HELL F--G YEAH!!!
***
7:38 p.m.
From: Saskia Webber
Has anyone taken a breath yet? Just realized I haven't.
***
7:46 p.m.
From: Carla Overbeck
Holy s---t, what a WORLD CLASS PERFORMANCE! They saved their best game for last and peaked at the right time! I am so proud of this team, they are amazing athletes, players, and people! CONGRATULATIONS WORLD CHAMPIONS, you totally deserve it!
***
7:57 p.m.
From: Briana Scurry
Carli "They call me PRIMETIME" Lloyd!! Enuff said...
***
8:00 p.m.
From: Tisha Hoch
Ok so I just started watching.... Holy s--t we are on fire!!!! We are so dominating!! No way we lose this game with the team we have! Go USA
Tish
***
8:03 p.m.
From: Joy Fawcett
I love it !! Awesome sitting in a bar full of USA fans so fun to be a part of all the excitement!!! 1 more half, take no prisoners and make sure Japan never forgets the USA!
***
8:09 p.m.
From: Tisha Hoch
S--t, it's 4-2. Sub me out quick!
***
8:14 p.m.
From: Sara Hess
OMG, Tish. U are hilarious.
***
8:15 p.m.
From: Joy Fawcett
Go USA!!! I love the teamwork it took to bring the Cup home! Love this game!!
***
8:48 p.m.
From: Tisha Hoch
What an amazing game! That was so fun to watch! So proud of our entire U.S. Team and staff. World Champs... Rock Stars! Classy Japanese side too! Miss you freaks!!!
Tish
***
8:57 p.m.
From: Shannon MacMillan
So beyond proud of this group of women! They have inspired a whole new generation of soccer players and no words can explain how excited I am for them! They fought through so much adversity and came together in the end to win big and erase all doubts! Welcome to the World Champion sorority ladies!!!
***
9:03 p.m.
From: Kate Markgraf
It's hard to be what you can't see. There are young girls and boys who will forever remember your legacy and dream of greatness themselves. Thank you for continuing to grow the game and get ready for the '15ers comments (great number by the way).
***
10:09 p.m.
From: Cindy Parlow Cone
Wow! What a statement to the world! I am so happy for this team! They deserve to be champions as it was well earned! Well done '15ers and thank you for inspiring the next generation!
***
10:15 p.m.
From: Joy Fawcett
Go USA!! I love the teamwork it took to bring the cup home! Love this game!!
***
10:35 p.m.
From: Lorrie Fair
It was a baaaaaaaaaad day to be Japan! Thanks for pulling us together for this little email pow wow. It's funny, I remember bits and pieces of our matches in 99...but more than anything I remember the awesome moments with teammates. And it was so great to feel that connection again through this World Cup. I miss and love you all! Fur
***
10:42 p.m.
From: Brandi Chastain
As the 175 girls at Region IV ODP camp erupted in joy, chills went up my spine and tears rolled down my cheeks. 16 years since that joyous day in Pasadena and for the first time in the lives of these girls, they were witness to the U.S. Women winning a World Cup Championship. What an emotional roller coaster all ending in a crescendo of gold confetti. Today I am as PROUD to wear the U.S. crest as I was in 1999!