LIKE YOU, I WAS REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THE OLYMPICS IN JAPAN THIS SUMMER.
On the original 2020 schedule, this week would have culminated in the women’s soccer quarterfinal matches. Now, we are gearing up for a rescheduled Olympic Games in 2021.
U.S. Soccer is a leader in women’s sports. Our U.S. Women’s National Team has qualified for every summer Olympic games since women’s soccer was introduced in 1996, winning four gold medals along with one silver medal. Each Olympic tournament has been full of spectacular moments and unforgettable memories.
I’ve been fortunate enough to compete in three Olympic Games – Sydney (2000), Athens (2004), and Beijing (2008) – and I remember each one completely differently.
For my first, I was so nervous. I think I was shaking the entire time. I was playing alongside my idols, women who I looked up to everyday as a player. And I was so lucky, because they turned out to be exactly as incredible individuals in real life as you hope your idols will be. We lost in the gold medal match, but that ignited a fire that would keep burning through two more Olympic Games.
In my second Olympic Games, I was playing for my teammates, as many of these amazing women (our inspirational 99ers) were retiring. Winning gold for them meant everything. I always played for someone – and by playing for these women, I had a selfless focus that made it easier to succeed.
My third Olympics was a bit different because it was the first tournament I played for myself… as a mom.
For moms out there, you know already how hard our job is. There were less than two dozen other moms representing the United States in the Olympics that summer. I needed support to achieve my goals – and I had it, from my family and my team. I could not have succeeded if I didn't always have someone coming to my room, asking me if I needed help with my son.
It’s one of my proudest moments to have won a gold medal for myself, as a mother.
The Olympics brings out the best in all of us. We work our entire lives for these moments and that shared joy of winning is contagious. Each unique, incomparable Summer games unites us in global celebration.
And while we are all missing that this summer, we looked forward to a year from now when we can experience those feelings again.
LOOKING AHEAD
When I think about Olympic success, I think about the team. I remember wonderful teammates and people around me who I leaned on for support, even off the field.
Now as U.S. WNT General Manager, I see this even more. The “team behind the team” at every level is critical to its success.
I watch our talented High Performance staff use innovative tools to help maximize players’ on-field output. I see our coaches work tirelessly every day to help players reach their maximum potential and develop strategies to keep up with the mounting competition in the women’s game. I see our administrative staff stretching themselves thin to make sure we’re in the best possible position to give the players everything they need to perform.
Building championship teams to represent our country takes tremendous dedication, hard work and critical resources – and people you can count on.
Will you be part of this team behind the team?
We need you. Donate today to support the U.S. Soccer Development Fund. Even a small gift of $11 – representing a dollar for each player in a starting lineup – will help fund vital programs to develop the next generation of world-class players, coaches and National Teams that inspire us all.
Your donation now will mean more than ever as we face a difficult year with unforeseen challenges and financial strain brought on by COVID-19.
I hope you’ll join this special effort. As a team, we can do more, be more and make more Olympic dreams possible. And together, we can look forward to another Summer Games full of unique moments and memories.
Sincerely,
Kate Markgraf
General Manager, U.S. Women’s National Team
U.S. Soccer Federation
