Emily Pickering facts for kids
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | February 1, 1963 | ||
| Place of birth | Massapequa, New York, U.S. | ||
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) | ||
| Playing position | Midfielder | ||
| National team | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1985–1992 | United States | 15 | (2) |
| † Appearances (Goals). | |||
Emily Jo Harner, born Emily Jo Pickering on February 1, 1963, is a former American soccer player. She made history as a key member of the very first official U.S. women's national soccer team in 1985. Emily played as a midfielder and helped set the stage for women's soccer in the United States.
A Pioneer in U.S. Soccer
Emily Jo Pickering was part of a special group of athletes. These players formed the first-ever official United States women's national soccer team in 1985. This was a huge step for women's soccer in America.
The team's first games were against Denmark. Emily played a big role in these historic matches. She made the assist for the national team's very first goal. She then scored the team's second goal herself. These moments were important milestones for the sport.
College and National Team Career
Before joining the national team, Emily played college soccer. She played for the North Carolina Tar Heels from 1981 to 1984. This team is known for being very strong in college soccer.
Emily continued to play for the U.S. national team for several years. She represented her country from 1985 to 1992. During her time with the team, she played in 15 international games. She scored 2 goals for her country.
Honored for Her Contributions
Emily Jo Pickering's impact on soccer has been recognized. In 2015, she was inducted into the Long Island Soccer Player Hall of Fame. This honor celebrates her achievements and her role in the sport's history. Her contributions helped pave the way for future generations of female soccer players in the United States.
