Ask Anything: 10 questions with soccer star Mia Hamm
Soccer star Mia Hamm answers your questions about her biggest accomplishment, getting in shape after having twin girls and much more.
Posted — UpdatedI still love to play but certainly not at the same level as I did when I played professionally. Occasionally, I step in with the U.S. National Team since they train near our home, but it becomes harder and harder each time.
It is difficult to choose one specific accomplishment. Fortunately, my soccer career at Carolina, the Washington Freedom and the U.S. National Team was filled with a lot of incredible memories. The ’99 World Cup may have been the most rewarding simply because the event and championship meant so much to the sport of soccer in this country and for young girls all over the world. We worked so hard to make the event a success and to win it at a packed Rose Bowl and in front of millions of people watching on TV was very special.
I started at a very young age because my older brother and sister loved to play. My biggest piece of advice is to make sure soccer is fun for your kids. I actually played many different sports growing up and simply was drawn to soccer because I enjoyed playing. If kids are having fun then they will continue to work to get better.
I am a firm believer that kids should play multiple sports. Both physically and mentally, it was great for me to play basketball and other sports. I know there is a lot of pressure for kids to focus on one sport, and there is nothing wrong with playing something year-round, but I loved soccer for a long time because I chose it while playing other sports.
Carolina represented everything I wanted in a college experience – a tremendous academic institution and a championship level soccer program with a family atmosphere. You could tell that being a student-athlete at Carolina was incredibly special and it did not disappoint.
Soccer has always been a physical sport but there is no question that the athletes are getting bigger, faster and stronger. I am not familiar with any studies, but it would not surprise me if the number of injuries is increasing due to the growth of the game.
There are many styles of soccer/football that lead to success. I am a fan of the possession game but we have realized plenty of success playing more direct as well. Different styles throughout the world is what makes soccer so special and I am sure you will see changes here and abroad as the game grows and develops.
The failure of the WUSA can be attributed to a number of factors and not just lack of support. We were so disappointed when the league folded but we hoped the experience would not be wasted. The new WPS is off to a great start and hopefully the league organizers have learned from the past and can build off this positive momentum.
I can definitely relate your challenge. It is so difficult to find time and to find a game when you have children and other responsibilities. I try to channel my energy into cross training (running, biking) and I grab a soccer ball to play with my twin girls whenever possible. As for more organized soccer, there are adult leagues out there so you may want to check with the area rec leagues to see what they offer for you.
It is definitely difficult to find those times to “let loose” with 2-year-old twins and our schedules. My husband and I both like to cook and therefore enjoy food. We also have had the opportunity to learn about the wine business, so there is no question that a nice dinner with a great bottle of wine is something that we cherish.
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