After the '96 Olympics, we all started believing that this is bigger than we thought, and we were willing to do the work. We knew that it was up to us, the players, to make soccer successful. Brandi Chastain
I got to experience soccer at the highest level at a young age; I decided I wanted to be part of that for as long as possible. Mia Hamm
I have a 16 year-old son, so I'm now a soccer mom. I stand on the sidelines and I hear the things parents are saying, so I want them to understand what it is their kids are feeling in any sports environment. Brandi Chastain
I think soccer is more respected now than it ever has been. You can see that in the numbers of young kids who are playing and the numbers of people who are coming to watch. Brandi Chastain
I think there are a lot of things that soccer does in the communities that transcend the soccer field. Brandi Chastain
I was the kid who always liked to take the ball down to the school even in my free time, kick it against the wall, juggle it in the front yard and so it was kind of a perpetual state of playing soccer for me. Brandi Chastain
Number one, it was a chance to thank my parents, because they passed away a couple of years ago. They gave me so much by giving me the opportunity to play soccer, and I wanted to share the story we had together. Brandi Chastain
Soccer isn't very social. Plus, if you don't like someone on the other team, you can do something about it. Mia Hamm
After I suffered a labral tear in my hip while playing soccer, I realized that many sports-related injuries can be prevented and I dedicated myself to helping young athletes learn more about injury prevention. Cobi Jones
Getting a chance to practice six months against my own teammates, who I consider the best soccer players in the world, there's no way I couldn't improve. Lorrie Fair
I am excited to bring my deep knowledge, passion and expertise of soccer in this country to The New York Cosmos. They truly represent where this sport is headed on a national and international level, and I want to make history with them. Cobi Jones
I don't just want to focus on soccer, soccer, soccer. You're going to look back 20 years from now and of course you're going to remember the games. But I'm going to remember seeing my family in the stands. Hope Solo
I have a Pomeranian dog named Nutmeg - a combination of the soccer move and the colour. It's perfect. Christine Sinclair
I literally tried every sport and was miserable. Soccer couldn't hold my attention. I couldn't figure skate. I'm afraid to swim. So I did dance for five years. It came a time where I was getting a little bit bored with it. Alicia Sacramone
I need a life outside of soccer. So I very much welcome, you know, new love interests and dating and friends and family. Hope Solo