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Mia Hamm

Hamm playing for United States in 1995

Personal information

Full name

Mariel Margaret Hamm

Date of birth

March 17, 1972 (age 53)

Place of birth

Selma, Alabama, U.S.

Height

5 ft 5 in (1.65 m)

Position(s)

Forward, midfielder

Youth career

1988

Braddock Road Shooting Stars

1989

Lake Braddock Bruins

College career

Years

Team

Apps

(Gls)

1989–1993

North Carolina Tar Heels

(103)

Senior career*

Years

Team

Apps

(Gls)

2001–2003

Washington Freedom

(28)

International career^‡

1987–2004

United States

276

(158)

Medal record

Women's soccer

Representing United States
FIFA Women's World Cup
Winner	1991 China
Winner	1999 United States
Bronze	1995 Sweden
Bronze	2003 United States
Olympic Games
Gold	1996 Atlanta	Team
Gold	2004 Athens	Team
Silver	2000 Sydney	Team

*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of June 28, 2007
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of June 29, 2007

Mariel Margaret "Mia" Hamm (born March 17, 1972) is an American former professional soccer player. She won two Olympic gold medals and two FIFA Women's World Cup championships. Many people see her as a soccer legend. She played as a forward for the U.S. national team from 1987 to 2004.

Hamm was a key player in the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA). This was the first professional women's soccer league in the United States. She played for the Washington Freedom from 2001 to 2003. Before that, she played college soccer for the North Carolina Tar Heels. She helped her college team win four national titles.

Mia Hamm played in four FIFA Women's World Cups. These were in 1991, 1995, 1999, and 2003. She also led the team in three Olympic Games. These included the 1996 Atlanta Games, 2000 Sydney Games, and 2004 Athens Games. Women's soccer was first played at the Olympics in 1996. In these seven big tournaments, she played 42 matches and scored 14 goals.

Hamm held the record for most international goals scored until 2013. As of 2023, she is still third on that list. She is also fourth in U.S. team history for games played (276). She is first for career assists with 144. Hamm was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2001 and 2002. Pelé, a famous soccer player, chose her as one of FIFA's 125 greatest living players. This was part of FIFA's 100th anniversary celebration. She also won the U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year five years in a row.

After retiring from playing, Hamm became a co-owner of Los Angeles FC and Angel City FC. She is also a global ambassador for FC Barcelona. She is on the board of directors for the Italian soccer club A.S. Roma. Hamm wrote a book called Go For the Goal: A Champion's Guide to Winning in Soccer and Life. She has also appeared in films and TV shows.

Early Life and First Steps in Soccer

Mia Hamm was born in Selma, Alabama. She was the fourth of six children. When she was a toddler, she wore special shoes because she was born with a club foot. Her family moved often because her father was in the United States Air Force. They lived in different places around the world.

While living in Florence, Italy, Mia first started playing soccer. Soccer was very popular there, and her whole family quickly got into the sport. When she was five, living in Wichita Falls, Texas, Mia joined her first soccer team. Her father coached her and her older adopted brother, Garrett.

Mia played many sports when she was young. She was very good at football on the boys' team in junior high. In 1987, she played at the U.S. Olympic Festival. She was the youngest player ever to play for the United States women's national soccer team. When she first joined the team, she played as a forward. She did not score a goal in her first year. Hamm went to Lake Braddock Secondary School in Burke, Virginia. She helped her high school soccer team win the state championships in 1989.

Playing for College and Clubs

College Soccer at North Carolina

From 1989 to 1993, Hamm went to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She helped the Tar Heels win four NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championships. She took a break in 1991 to get ready for the first 1991 FIFA Women's World Cup in China. Her college team only lost one game out of the 95 she played.

She was named an All-American player. She was also the best player in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) for three years in a row. In 1993 and 1994, she was named the ACC Female Athlete of the Year. When she graduated in 1994, she held ACC records for goals (103), assists (72), and total points (278). In 2003, she and Michael Jordan were named the ACC's Greatest Athletes of its first fifty years.

Playing for Washington Freedom

In 2001, Hamm became a founding player in the first professional women's soccer league in the U.S. This league was called the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA). She played for the Washington Freedom from 2001 to 2003. Hamm was seen as the biggest star in the league. She was used a lot in advertising and promotions.

In the league's first game, Hamm was fouled, leading to a penalty kick. Her teammate scored the first goal in the league's history. The Freedom won that game 1–0. Many fans came to watch, and many more watched on TV. Hamm played in 19 of the Freedom's 21 games in 2001. She led her team in goals (6) and assists (4).

Hamm had a knee injury in late 2001. This kept her from playing for several months in early 2002. Even though she only played half of the 2002 season, she scored eight goals. The team finished third and made it to the playoffs. They won their semi-final game but lost the final. Hamm scored a goal in that final game.

In the 2003 season, Hamm started in 16 of 19 games. She scored 11 goals and had 11 assists. The Freedom finished fourth and made the playoffs again. Hamm ended her club career as a WUSA champion. Her team won the Founders Cup by beating the Atlanta Beat 2–1 in overtime.

Retiring from Soccer

On May 14, 2004, Hamm announced she would retire after the 2004 Athens Olympics. After the Olympics, Hamm and her teammates went on a 10-game farewell tour in the U.S. Her last international game was on December 8, 2004, against Mexico. The U.S. won 5–0, and Hamm helped set up two of the goals.

Hamm retired at age 32. She had scored a record 158 international goals. She and her teammates Julie Foudy and Joy Fawcett were honored before the game. They received framed jerseys and roses. After she retired, her number 9 jersey was given to midfielder Heather O'Reilly.

International Career with the U.S. Team

Playing for the National Team

Hamm first played for the United States women's national soccer team in 1987. She was only 15 years old. This was just two years after the team played its first international match. She was the youngest person ever to play for the team. She scored her first goal in her 17th game.

She played in four FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments. These were in 1991, 1995, 1999, and 2003. She also led the team in three Olympic Games. These included the 1996 Atlanta Games, 2000 Sydney Games, and 2004 Athens Games. In total, she played 42 matches and scored 14 goals in these major international tournaments.

Hamm held the record for most international goals scored by any player, male or female, until 2013. As of 2017, she was still third on that list. She is also third in U.S. national team history for games played (276). She is first for career assists with 144.

1991 FIFA Women's World Cup Victory

In 1991, Hamm was chosen for the first-ever 1991 FIFA Women's World Cup in China. She was 19, still the youngest player on the team. In the first game, Hamm scored the winning goal. The U.S. beat Sweden 3–2. She also scored in their 5–0 win against Brazil. The U.S. team won their group and moved to the knockout stage.

They beat Chinese Taipei 7–0 in the quarter-final. Then they beat Germany 5–2 in the semi-final. In the final, the U.S. played Norway. In front of 63,000 fans, the U.S. won 2–1. This made them the first World Cup champions.

1995 FIFA Women's World Cup

Hamm's second World Cup was in 1995 in Sweden. The U.S. team tied China 3–3 in their first game. Hamm scored a goal in that match. In their next game against Denmark, Hamm even played as a goalkeeper for a few minutes. This happened after their main goalkeeper received a red card.

The U.S. beat Australia 4–1 and then Japan 4–0 in the quarter-final. They lost to Norway 1–0 in the semi-finals. The U.S. then won third place by beating China 2–0. Hamm scored the second goal in that game.

1996 Atlanta Olympics and 100th Goal

Hamm during a match against Germany, 1997

Hamm was a very important player for the U.S. team at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. This was the first time women's soccer was part of the Olympics. She scored a goal and assisted another in their 3–0 win against Denmark. The team then beat Sweden 2–1.

Even though Hamm had foot and groin injuries, she played in the final. Her team won their first Olympic gold medal by beating China 2–1. Over 76,000 fans watched this game. It was the largest crowd for a soccer event in Olympic history. It was also the largest crowd for a women's sports event in the U.S.

In 1998, Hamm scored 20 goals, her highest total in a year. She also had 20 assists. On September 18, she scored her 100th international goal. This happened in a friendly game against Russia. That same year, she led the U.S. to win the first-ever Goodwill Games gold medal. Hamm scored five of the team's seven goals in that tournament.

1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Triumph

Hamm warming up before a match, 1998

On May 22, 1999, Hamm broke the all-time international goal record. She scored her 108th goal against Brazil. The next month, she led the national team in the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup. The United States hosted this tournament.

In the first group game against Denmark, she scored her 110th international goal. She also assisted a goal. The U.S. won 3–0. Against Nigeria, Hamm scored with a free kick. She also assisted another goal. The U.S. won 7–1. The U.S. won their group and moved to the quarter-finals. They beat Germany 3–2. In the semi-finals against Brazil, Hamm was fouled, leading to a penalty kick. The U.S. won 2–0.

The 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Final was a tie after extra time. It was decided by a penalty shootout between the U.S. and China. All five American players, including Hamm, scored their penalty kicks. China missed one, so the U.S. team won. Over 90,000 people filled the Rose Bowl stadium. This was the most-attended women's sports event ever at that time.

After the final, Hamm collapsed from severe dehydration. She was treated by medical staff. After resting, she joined her team for celebrations. They were on magazine covers, went to Disneyland, and appeared on TV. A week later, they met President Clinton at the White House. Her leadership and play in this World Cup made her a soccer icon.

2000 Sydney Olympics

Hamm played for the United States at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. In the group stage, she scored a goal against Norway. The U.S. won 2–0. The team tied China 1–1 and then beat Nigeria 3–1.

In the semi-finals against Brazil, Hamm scored the winning goal. This goal was her 127th international goal. It set a new record for most goals scored by any player, male or female. The U.S. played Norway in the final. They lost 3–2 in overtime and won the silver medal.

2003 FIFA Women's World Cup

Hamm during the third-place match against Canada at the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup

The 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup was moved to the United States due to a health outbreak. Hamm was named to the U.S. team. She said this would be her last World Cup. In the first group game, Hamm had three assists. The U.S. won 3–1 against Sweden. She scored twice against Nigeria and assisted another goal. The U.S. won 5–0 and qualified for the next round.

The U.S. beat North Korea 3–0 in their final group game. Hamm and some other players rested for this match. This was the first World Cup game Hamm had ever missed. The U.S. beat Norway 1–0 in the quarter-finals. Hamm was fouled a lot in this game. She even had a penalty kick saved by the Norwegian goalkeeper. The U.S. lost 3–0 to Germany in the semi-finals. They then beat Canada 3–1 to finish in third place.

2004 Athens Olympics and Retirement

On July 21, 2004, Hamm scored her 158th international goal in a friendly game against Australia. This set a new world record for most international goals by any player. Abby Wambach broke this record in 2013. The Australia match was also Hamm's 259th international game. Only two teammates, Kristine Lilly and Christie Rampone, have played more games.

Hamm helped lead the U.S. national team to its second gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. Her fellow Olympians chose her to carry the American flag at the closing ceremony. In the first group game against Greece, Hamm assisted the first goal and scored the last. The U.S. won 3–0. She scored a penalty kick in a 2–0 win over Brazil.

The U.S. finished first in their group. They beat Japan 2–1 in the quarter-finals. In the semi-final against Germany, Hamm assisted a goal in overtime. This secured a 2–1 win. The U.S. faced Brazil again in the gold medal match. They won 2–1 in overtime. Her teammates celebrated with Hamm after the final whistle. This was her last Olympic win. It was also the last Olympic appearance for five players who won the 1991 World Cup. These players were Hamm, Julie Foudy, Joy Fawcett, Brandi Chastain, and Kristine Lilly. They were often called the "Fab Five."

Mia Hamm's Style of Play

Mia Hamm is considered one of the greatest female soccer players ever. She was a very athletic and skilled striker. She was known for her speed, amazing footwork, and stamina. She was also very good with the ball. Hamm was an excellent dribbler. She was praised for her control, grace, and quickness.

She scored many goals and was known for her powerful and accurate shots. But she was also a creative and hard-working forward. She was a true team player. She often helped her teammates score goals with her accurate passes. She also helped defend when the team lost the ball. She could play in any attacking position on the field.

Life Outside of Soccer

Hamm with husband Nomar Garciaparra, 2010

Mia Hamm was first married to Christian Corry, a helicopter pilot. They divorced in 2001. On November 22, 2003, she married Boston Red Sox baseball player Nomar Garciaparra. They had twin girls on March 27, 2007. They had a son in January 2012.

Helping Others: The Mia Hamm Foundation

In 1999, Hamm started the Mia Hamm Foundation. She did this after her adopted brother Garrett passed away in 1997. He had a rare blood disease for ten years. The foundation helps raise money and awareness for families who need bone marrow or cord blood transplants. It also encourages people to join the national bone marrow registry. The foundation also helps create opportunities for women through sports. Hamm hosts a yearly celebrity soccer game in Los Angeles to support her foundation.

Other Work and Achievements

Hamm (second from left), with members of the United States delegation at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup Final in Vancouver, Canada

Hamm is a global ambassador for FC Barcelona. She wrote a popular book called Go For the Goal: A Champion's Guide to Winning in Soccer and Life. She also wrote a children's book called Winners Never Quit.

In 2012, Hamm helped choose the new coach for the national team. In 2014, she joined the board of the National Soccer Hall of Fame. In October 2014, Hamm became a co-owner of the new Major League Soccer team, Los Angeles FC. That same month, she joined the board of directors for the Italian soccer club A.S. Roma. Hamm was also part of the U.S. delegation at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup Final in Canada.

Honors and Awards

The University of North Carolina retired Hamm's number 19 jersey in 1994. Hamm set the college scoring record with 278 points (103 goals and 72 assists). She was the National Player of the Year in 1992 and 1993. She led her team to four national championships.

The Women's Sports Foundation named Hamm Sportswoman of the Year in 1997 and 1999. In June 1999, Nike named its largest building after her. In December 2000, Hamm was named one of the top three female soccer players of the 20th century.

In March 2004, Hamm and former teammate Michelle Akers were the only two women and Americans named to the FIFA 100. This list included 125 greatest living soccer players. Pelé chose them for FIFA's 100th anniversary. Hamm was also named U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year five years in a row (1994-1998). She won three ESPY awards, including Soccer Player of the Year and Female Athlete of the Year.

In 2006, Hamm was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. She was also inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. In 2006, Princeton University gave her an honorary degree. In 2007, Hamm was chosen for the National Soccer Hall of Fame in her first year of eligibility. In 2008, her silhouette was used in the logo for the new professional women's soccer league, Women's Professional Soccer. ESPN named her the greatest female athlete in 2012.

In 2013, Hamm became the first woman inducted into the World Football Hall of Fame in Mexico. She was named to U.S. Soccer's USWNT All-Time Best XI in December 2013. In 2014, she received the Golden Foot Legends Award.

In March 2019, players on the U.S. women's national soccer team wore jerseys with names of women they honored. Samantha Mewis chose Mia Hamm's name. In 2021, Hamm was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame. In 2022, Los Angeles F.C., a team Hamm co-owns, won the MLS Cup. This added an MLS championship to her many achievements.

Championships Won

Year	Team	Championship/Medal
1989	North Carolina Tar Heels	NCAA National Champion
1990	North Carolina Tar Heels	NCAA National Champion
1991	United States	FIFA World Cup Champion
1992	North Carolina Tar Heels	NCAA National Champion
1993	North Carolina Tar Heels	NCAA National Champion
1996	United States	Olympic Gold
1999	United States	FIFA World Cup Champion
2003	Washington Freedom	WUSA Founder's Cup Champion
2004	United States	Olympic Gold
2022	Los Angeles F.C.	2022 MLS Cup (as part owner)

Images for kids

Hamm playing for United States in 1995
Hamm during a match against Germany, 1997
Hamm warming up before a match, 1998
Hamm during the third-place match against Canada at the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup
Hamm with husband Nomar Garciaparra, 2010
Hamm (second from left), with members of the United States delegation at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup Final in Vancouver, Canada