Mia Hamm had a big impact on the soccer world in her early years. Mia, whose real name is Mariel Margaret Hamm, has been a soccer player since she was five. She was born in Selma, Alabama in 1972. She was the daughter of an Air Force pilot, so she had to move a lot. Regardless, soccer was always important to her. When she was 15 years old she joined the US National Team, making her the youngest player to join the team. In college, she played soccer for the University of North Carolina and even played in the Olympics. She helped her Olympic team win the gold medal in 1991 and 1996. In 1999, Mia Hamm earned the world record for most international goals. She held that honor until 2013. Hamm retired from the sport in 2004 to start the next part of her life.Â
Mia Hamm was not only just a great soccer player. She accomplished many things off the field as well. One of the most important things she did was to form the Mia Hamm Foundation, which helps fund bone marrow research. She created this foundation to honor her brother who passed away from a rare blood disease.
Mia Hamm was a remarkable soccer player and person who will be remembered for years to come.
