NFL
By: Zachary Draves
It was in Atlanta where one of America’s most beloved and decorated teams made their Olympic debut.
The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team had already established themselves as an international powerhouse after winning the inaugural Women’s World Cup in 1991 and even though they came up short in the 1995 World Cup, they were determined to solidify their rightful position as the best team in the world.
(Courtesy: San Francisco Chronicle)
1996 marked the first time that Women’s Soccer would be included in the Olympics, a dream come true for the players that would be the ultimate milestone for a sport that was right on the brink of enormous popularity.
But in the lead up to the games, the players were locked into a salary dispute with the US Soccer Federation over pay inequities, foreshadowing a long grueling battle that continues to this day.
The Women’s Team were demanding what the Men’s Team was getting, bonus money for any medal won, but the women were being offered a bonus only for a gold medal.
Some of the top players and eventual legends of the game boycotted training camp in the lead up to the games and threatened not to play if their demands weren’t met.
Those players were Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy, Briana Scurry, Kristine Lilly, Michelle Akers, Joy Fawcett, Carin Gabarra, Carla Overbeck and Tisha Venturini.
Eventually the players and the federation reached an agreement that gave the women bonuses not only for a gold but a silver as well.
During the games, the team steamrolled their way through the tournament and in the process drew crowds that were never seen at Women’s Soccer matches in the United States.
Over 65,000 fans attended their semifinal match up against their bitter rival Norway, who defeated the US in the 1995 World Cup.
(Courtesy: The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
A crucial penalty kick by Michelle Akers and an epic Overtime goal by Shannon MacMillan put them in the final against China.
(Courtesy: Pintrest)
A memorable long drive by Shannon to Joy Fawcett to set up the tie breaking goal by Tiffeny Milbrett gave the US the gold medal in remarkable and historic fashion.
(Courtesy: Daily Herald)
They set the standard as they always have to not only win but to win with a purpose.
(Courtesy: The Athletic)
I had the honor to interview Lauren Gregg, former USWNT player and Assistant Coach who was there for all the excitement in Atlanta and she shared with me about her time there and what she remembers the most about being a part of history.
(Courtesy: Wikipedia)
What was your experience in Atlanta like?
Participating in the Olympic Games, in Atlanta, in 1996 was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. It represented a culmination of so much time, effort, and passion by so many people. A decade earlier, not only wasn’t women’s soccer in the Olympics, it wasn’t even on the horizon. Let me start here. Congressman James Moran,, and James Cromwell (father of US WNT Olympic Alternate, Amanda Cromwell) fought for years to obtain a congressional record in support of women’s soccer being added. Their efforts, along with Title IX and the efforts of many others brought it to fruition and allowed so many of us to fulfill a dream.
Every American grows up watching the Olympics and it carries a special place in your heart. Although in soccer, or football, around the world, the World Cup means everything, and is the pinnacle of the sport, the Olympics embodies a national spirit and pride that is hard to describe.
So, as a coach, and a former US WNT player, participating in the 1996 Olympics – the inaugural event, on the 100th anniversary of the Games, was a series of pinch me moments. Hearing the iconic Olympic song was surreal.
The games were incredibly competitive and we couldn’t have been prouder of our players. They rose to the occasion and got better every game. At the same time, they sold the sport
And sold out for every match. The team played attractive attacking soccer, and a suffocating team oriented defensive style, both of which engaged the audience. People began to support us and crowds were some of the largest the games had. Sadly, NBC didn’t give us the coverage we deserved and although we had 50-75,000 people at games viewers weren’t always able to see more that highlights. Imagine today with social media, these players would have truly have gotten the recognition they deserved. But in winning, in winning the way we did, and telling our story, we accomplished so much, especially,, for the next generation. That was always on our minds- how we make women’s soccer and the sport in general better for the next generation. We took a huge step in that mission being crowned Olympic Gold Medalists.
One unforeseen bonus for me was the opportunity to stay on and work with our men’s Paralympic soccer team. This group of young men were incredible players and people. I felt an affinity to their challenges and their aspirations, and mostly, their love of the game. I had an accident about five years prior and spent two years in a wheel chair with spinal injury. My life had been turned upside down. But it gave me a glimpse into what is means to have something taken from you, to have to find a way to do what you love despite challenges, and also, appreciate that often because of a difference, in this case a disability, people often view you and treat you differently. So, I wanted to give them the respect they deserved as athletes and people. The magic of the experience was across the lines, they were players with goals. Working together and helping them be successful was so much fun. It spurred my desire to be involved in disability soccer which I have been since the 1996 Games and remain so, today.
Can you describe how much those games changed the course of women’s soccer forever?
The 1996 Olympic Games changed women’s soccer in so many ways. For so long, we had been operating in an abyss. A small group of us cared and knew the pearl they lay beneath the shell. Our motivation to win was to sell the game, recognizing that gold, and gold alone, was what we needed to garner attention to our sport. Not an easy task as we were coming off losing the 1995 World Cup and the competition was fierce. We had to be accessible, these players gave and gave of themselves constantly to sell the game. The Olympics resonant with the American people. Word cup aside, America’s love the Olympics and we knew winning would give us a platform. Despite negligible coverage word was out about this team – we sold out every game and had the largest attendance of any sport. It was impossible to ignore us. We were on the map so to speak. It was a pivotal moment that etched this team and their legacy into history. And more true to our deepest mission, it opened doors for the next generation. It would be better for them and that was pure gold!
There were certainly so many memories but what was your most memorable moment from Atlanta?
Wow, hard question. I honestly loved every second. I loved the challenge of preparing this team and each player to be their best and win the first ever gold medal in women’s Olympic history. I loved stands full of cheering young boys and girls, enthralled by our story, style and passion.
The opening ceremony was amazing. Celebrating with fellow athletes across sports, was something you grew up watching and to live it was such a deeply patriotic moment. Representing your country is a great honor and having a change to celebrate our country together only magnified the experience.
Marching through the stadium was indescribable. Brand Chastain and I were paired walking and we smiled until our cheeks ached. I remember Tony (DiCicco Head Coach) and I had a hard decision. Our team was based in Athens, The Ceremony was in Atlanta. Getting there, participating in it and getting back would be almost a full day of time, energy, being on their feet and tiring. And a game loomed shortly after. Should we participate or not? We met with our leadership. Do we go or not go. We had a mission to accomplish.. Win. On one hand it could be argued we shouldn’t and there is risk. Oh the other hand, how do you deny players this once in a lifetime moment. Together, we decided we would go- but do our best to minimize time, travel, stress, and be sure they hydrated. We believe we couldn’t deprive them of this moment. And that they deserved it. And obviously, it worked out. And it for me, as it was for our whole team, an incredibly memorable moment.
Two other memories that bear mention are having my family there and seeing our players on the podium receiving the first ever Gold medals in women’s soccer. . I have four siblings- an oldest sister, two older and one younger brother. They, along with my parents, all came to support me and the team. Sharing this with them was wonderful. Like anyone who gets to this level, so many people played a role. And to celebrate that moment with them was special.
Finally, hearing the Olympic song, that iconic, time-tested symbol of the games, as our players made their way into the podium as Gold medalists, made my heart swell. Honestly it was a dream.
What would you like people to remember about the 96 team?
The 1996 was a group of incredible people. This core of women, and Tony and myself, along with Anson Dorrance, whom I coached together with when we won the Inaugural Women’s World Cup, had worked tireless to win and well the sport. They did it with very little support on many levels but did it because of their love of the game and wanting future generations to have more. I want people to know that we are where we are today, in women’s soccer because of those teams in 1991, 1996 (and ultimately 1999). Players like Carin Jennings, April Heinrich, Michelle Akers, Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy, Joy Fawcett, Carla Overbeck our captain, Shannon MacMillan, Kristine Lilly, Brianna Scurry, Brandi Chastain to mention a few, and every player on that team should be part of every discussion on how and why that team was successful.
I would love that prior watch the Games this summer known where it started and appreciate the role of these pioneers. It is because of their unwavering commitment, talent and resolve to be the best in the world that they paved the way. The success of women’s soccer- our USWNT, the pro league and the millions of young girls and boys playing, was built on their backs. It was an incredible honor to represent my country as a player and a coach and the 1996 Olympic Games was the highlight of my career. Now let’s keep winning!
