Flame Bearers Special Edition: U.S. Women's Soccer Originals
As the world tunes in for the ninth Women’s World Cup, it’s hard to imagine a time when professional women’s soccer didn’t exist. In 1985, 17 of the b…
Aug 18th, 2023 |
24:19
Special Edition: U.S. Soccer Originals (Ann Orrison Germain)
Nobody in Ann's family played soccer, so at 12, she went to the town firehouse to sign herself up -- she strategically jotted down "goalie" because she thought it increased her odds of making the team. Flash forward to UVA, and Ann is playing field hockey to help with the costs, yet she returned home on weekends without games to play soccer. UVA didn't have a women's soccer team at the time. After making the first USWNT in 1985, Ann became an engineer, partially because of the work-life balance, so she could spend evenings playing soccer and coaching. By now, she's coached the game at every level possible and her players and daughters have the stories to prove it. We hear from her former player, Anna, daughters, Kim and Kelly, and friends Helen and Matt, all who share their love for Ann...and a few funny stories about her climbing trees, be it to get a better view of a soccer match or just waiting for a daughter after practice.
Media used in this production:
-38 years after making history, first USWNT to be honored at Asheville City regular season finale, Chris Womack, June 29th 2023,
-The Forgotten Early History of Women’s Soccer, Laurent Dubois, January 22, 2016