Mia Hamm
Mariel Margaret Hamm, better known as Mia Hamm, was born on March 17, 1972 in Selma, Alabama. Hamm joined the national team at the young age of 15. During her time representing her country, she has won two FIFA World Cups, come in third place in another one, as well as won two Olympic gold medals and one silver. While that silver medal would have been more rewarding as a gold, the game was a challenge that the team couldn't overcome. However, Hamm accepted the silver as a gift because "If everything was easy, it wouldn’t make what I do so enjoyable." She was awarded FIFA’s World Player of the Year in 2001 and 2002, won three ESPY awards, and was nominated for the USA’s female athlete of the year 5 years in a row. Hamm was also named along with teammate Michelle Akers as 2 of FIFA’s top 125 living soccer players, the only two Americans and the only two women on the list. Arguably her greatest achievement however, is to this day Mia Hamm holds the record -at 158- for most international goals scored by a single soccer players both male and female. Adding to her athletic fame, Hamm was on the New York Times’ list of 50 most beautiful people in 1997. Hamm’s incredible success built her into one of the most famous athletes in America. Along with many endorsements, Mia’s extreme success also started to drag the country’s attention towards women’s soccer as America became a powerhouse country for the sport. Despite being retired from playing professionally, Mia still tries to involve herself with the sport in as many other ways as possible; whether it's watching games, running camps, or offering advice to players. She also proudly took more then just skill away from her time on the national team. "It's taught me about hard work respect, and basically that you get out what you put in and not to expect more than that." Her hard work and exceptional skill built her into the best female soccer player ever in the minds of many around the world.