The U.S. Women’s National Team – An Amazing World Cup Performance

By Charlotte Price

The US Women’s National Team competed in the 2019 FIFA World Cup in France, and not only did they compete, but they won and used their publicity as champions of the world to continue their fight for equal pay and other rights. 

For the 2019 FIFA World Cup, FIFA said the global audience for the women’s World Cup was expected to top out at 1 billion viewers, which it did and shattered all global records. The USWNT started off strong, with a record-breaking 13-0 win over Thailand and then went on to beat Chile, Sweden, Spain, France, England, and the Netherlands in the final. After they came away with a 2-0 victory over Netherlands, the team began to chant “Equal pay!” until thousands were joining in and filling the stadium with noise. Not only was this a monumental moment for the women on the team, but also for girls watching them from all around the world. 

The USWNT is a group full of fearless, relentless, and brave women who never back down from a challenge. In a New York Times article, author Keh points out how “few sports teams are asked to carry so much meaning on their shoulders, to represent so many things to so many people, as the United States women’s soccer team”. These women are not only outstanding soccer players, but are also leaders for equal pay, gay rights, and social justice. They are comfortable in their own skin and lead by example for girls around the world, and this World Cup proved that even more. 

Megan Rapinoe, one of the most courageous leaders on the team, said after winning “Getting to play at the highest level at a World Cup with a team like we have is just ridiculous, but to be able to couple that with everything off the field, to back up all of those words with performances, and to back up all of those performances with words, it’s just incredible.” Rapinoe continues to be a strong force for women around the world, especially her team, but also for the entire LGBQT community. 

To watch the AMAZING commercial that Nike came out with to celebrate the USWNT’s 4th World Cup Championship win, click here. 

Nike Is Betting on Women’s Sports

By Reese Wolfe

ike has decided to take steps in becoming a more inclusive brand. They are doing so by launching new campaigns focusing on women’s sports and promoting more products as unisex. America’s female soccer team gained a following of over 6 million people as they went on to win the World Cup this summer. For the first time ever, Nike dedicated jerseys to all of the women teams they sponsor. Nike has been designing jerseys and shoes inspired by these women athletes not only due to its financial advantages but in an attempt to change the ways in which the average person perceives women’s sports. Nike hopes to inspire young girls to engage in athletics by providing them with successful role-models as well as the gear they will need to do so. Sarah Hannah, VP GM of Nike Women’s in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, clearly states that it is Nike’s “intent to ensure that they are the most inclusive brand in the world.”

Check out their summer women’s soccer TV campaign here:

Coco Gauff: The Next Tennis Ace

By Natalie Wexler

The biggest concern in most 15 year olds’ lives are what is going on in high school. But Cori “Coco” Gauff is not an ordinary 15 year old. 

Gauff is a tennis prodigy that recently captured international attention when she defeated tennis superstar Venus Williams in the first round of Wimbledon in 2019 despite the fact that she gained entry by winning a wildcard round. She is the youngest player in Wimbledon history to qualify for the main draw. 

Gauff, who reached a ranking of 141, held her own against her opponents, making it to the fourth round of the tournament before falling to number four ranked Simona Halep, the Romanian player who eventually won the tournament. 

Prior to her historic run at Wimbledon, Gauff was the top junior player in the world. She started playing tennis at the age of 6 and eventually went to train at the Mouratoglou Academy, a tennis academy run by her idol Serena Williams’ coach Patrick Mouratoglou. 

In 2018, Gauff turned pro and played in an ITF Women’s Circuit tournament in Osprey, Florida. So far as a pro player, she has played as a single in pro tournaments such as Wimbledon, US Open, and Miami Open and she has played in a doubles team at the French Open. 

Because Gauff is only 15 years old, she is restricted by the WTA as to how many professional tournaments she is allowed to enter to prevent burnout. A 15 year old player is only allowed to participate in 10 professional tournaments, WTA Finals or WTA Elite Trophy (if qualified), or any level of competition in the Fed Cup and 3 wild card spots. When the player turns 16 she is allowed to play in 12 tournaments and have 4 wild cards in addition to the finals and Fed Cup. 

As a tennis player gets older, she is allowed to participate in more tournaments and have more wild card spots. Eventually, when players are 18 they are allowed to participate in as many tournaments as they want. 

At 15 years old, Gauff has proven she is a force to be reckoned with in the tennis world and is just getting started on what is bound to be an illustrious career.