Women’s Soccer Legends Helping Change the Game

There’s no doubt women’s soccer has no shortage of legends—athletes who’ve helped shape the game both on and off the pitch. Their legendary status is established by their soccer skills, but their contributions to the game enforce it. We can easily call these women other titles aside from athletes. They are activists, philanthropists, and advocates for gender equity. Their efforts deserve to be mentioned, so here are some women’s soccer legends giving back to the game.

Abby Wambach

The first example of women’s soccer legends is the United States Women’s National Team’s (USWNT) Abby Wambach. Wambach’s career witnessed her winning two Olympic gold medals and the FIFA Women’s World Cup. She retired in 2015 and then shifted her focus to advocacy. Wambach co-founded an organization named Wolfpack Endeavor, which is aimed at revolutionizing leadership and empowering women to claim their place at the table.

The soccer star also draws from her bestselling book, Wolfpack, as she travels all over the country. During this time, she spoke about gender equality, inclusion, and empowering female athletes. All these topics are important to the game.

In addition to this, Wambach is also an active philanthropist and a board member of Together Rising. This is a non-profit organization that supports grassroots initiatives, particularly those serving women and children. Wambach’s work has also been pivotal in pushing forward conversations about equal pay and opportunities for women in sports and beyond.

Mia Hamm

Another name worth mentioning is women’s soccer legend Mia Hamm. Hamm is one of the most celebrated players of all time. After retiring, she started giving back to the game. The two-time World Cup winner, who also won two Olympic gold medals, remained a powerful advocate for the game. In 1999, she co-founded the Mia Hamm Foundation. Its mission is to support families in need of marrow cord blood transplants. Another mission is to promote opportunities for young women in sports.

Through her foundation, Hamm helped with funding scholarships, hosting clinics, and supporting several programs that empower female athletes. She is also helping to pave the way for the next generation of female athletes. She also contributes to the sport as a co-owner of professional soccer teams like the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) Angel City FC.

Kristine Lilly

Next on our list is USWNT legend Kristine Lilly, who holds the record for the most international appearances of any soccer player in history with 354 caps. Lilly co-founded an academy called TeamFirst Soccer Academy with her former teammates Hamm and Tisha Venturini. The academy’s impact comes from how it travels across the United States, offering clinics that emphasize leadership, confidence, and technical soccer skills.

Lilly has also been advocating for better coaching and more inclusive youth sports programs, especially for girls. She helps children from different backgrounds to have access to sports. This is one way to give back to the game.

Brandi Chastain

Our final player is the legendary Brandi Chastain. Chastain is famously known for her game-winning penalty in the 1999 Women’s World Cup against China. Her celebration is also iconic—still considered one of the best celebrations in the game. Now, Chastain has taken a role in shaping the future of soccer. She co-founded a non-profit organization titled BAWSI (Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative). The organization aims to connect female athletes with underserved children to promote health, confidence, and teamwork.

BAWSI also helps Chastain run after-school fitness programs for elementary school children. Many of these children lack access to physical education. Chastain is also involved in coaching and mentoring, as she frequently speaks at conferences and clinics about the importance of leadership and education in athletes’ lives.

A Legacy Beyond the Game

These four women’s soccer legends are committed to using their influence and voice to give back to the game. Whether it’s through mentoring young athletes, championing equality, or creating opportunities for the underserved, these women are a representation of what soccer is all about. They are also an inspiration for the younger generation who have their own initiatives. Their impact will continue to be felt both on and off the field. These women’s soccer legends are a reminder that being great in soccer is not just through scoring goals and earning trophies, but it is also through uplifting others. They are making sure to leave the game better than they found it.

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