Two-time Olympic gold medalist
Mariel Margaret “Mia” Hamm is well known as a former professional soccer player and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. She played as a forward for the U.S. national team from 1987 to 2004.
In this slideshow, we take a walk down memory lane and explore Hamm’s impact on sports through the 90s.
University of North Carolina
Mia Hamm attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1989 to 1993. She helped the North Carolina Tar Heels win four NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championships.
ACC Player of the Year
During her college career, North Carolina lost only one game out of 95 played. She earned All-American honors and was named ACC Player of the Year for three consecutive years.
Greatest Athletes of the first fifty years
Hamm graduated in 1994 with ACC records for goals (103), assists (72), and total points (278). In 2003, Hamm and Michael Jordan were named the ACC’s Greatest Athletes of the first fifty years.
Becoming the youngest player
Mia Hamm made her debut for the U.S. women’s national soccer team in 1987 at just 15 years old, becoming the youngest player to do so.
Competed in four FIFA Women's World Cups
Hamm competed in four FIFA Women’s World Cups: 1991 (China), 1995 (Sweden), 1999 (U.S.), and 2003 (U.S.).
Olympic Participation
Olympic Participation: She led the U.S. team in three Olympic Games: 1996 (Atlanta), 2000 (Sydney), and 2004 (Athens), the latter being her final Olympic appearance.
All-Time Goal Scorer
All-Time Goal Scorer: She held the record for most international goals scored (158) until 2013. Hamm ranks third in U.S. national team history for international caps with 276 appearances.
Career Assists Leader
Career Assists Leader: She holds the record for the most career assists (144) for the U.S. national team.
1991 FIFA Women's World Cup
1991 FIFA Women’s World Cup: At 19, Hamm scored the game-winning goal in the U.S. team’s first match of the inaugural World Cup. The U.S, team won the championship against Norway.
1996 Olympic Gold Medal
1996 Olympic Gold Medal: Hamm and U.S. team won the first Olympic gold medal in women’s soccer.
1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Victory
1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup Victory: Hamm led the U.S. team to victory in the 1999 World Cup against China.
2000 Sydney Olympics
2000 Sydney Olympics: Hamm set a new record for most international goals scored (127) during the Olympics. The U.S. finished with a silver medal.
2003 FIFA Women's World Cup
2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup: This tournament marked Hamm’s final World Cup appearance, where she had three assists in the opening match.
Inducted into several sports halls of fame
Hamm has received numerous accolades, including being named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2001 and 2002, and she was inducted into several sports halls of fame.
Legacy
Legacy: Hamm’s influence and leadership throughout her career helped elevate women’s soccer in the U.S. Currently, she is a co-owner of Los Angeles FC and Angel City FC.