Lessons from the Field: The Enduring Influence of the 1999 Women's World Cup

The USA Women’s World Cup team is advancing to the Round of 16, and I find myself reminiscing about my childhood soccer roots this #TeamingTuesday! The electrifying energy of the World Cup brings me back to when I was a wide-eyed kid, in awe of the phenomenal 1999 USA Women’s World Cup championship team. So, join me on this (quick) trip down memory lane.

Picture this: It’s the summer of 1999. As a young soccer fan, I’m in the bustling Foxboro Stadium in Massachusetts, surrounded by my travel soccer friends and our dads. Each kick, save, and goal gets us to our feet, cheering for our favorite players. The thrill of witnessing those games live (right in front of us!) and my friend Annie’s envious trip to the legendary USA vs. China championship game in California still gives me goosebumps!

The 1999 Women’s World Cup was a big deal for women's sports, with its unprecedented coverage featuring all 32 games live from massive stadiums. The global event showcased extraordinary talent, competitive spirit, pride in one’s country, and gracious sports(wo)manship of players worldwide. It was an inspiring event that captivated young athletes and cemented soccer’s importance in the US.

The epic USA vs. China championship match drew a whopping crowd of 90,000 spectators and a US TV audience of 40 million. Following a tense 90-minute deadlock, the match led to a nail-bitting overtime. Critical moments like Kristine Lilly’s goal line head ball save led the US team into penalty shootout. There, Brandi Chastain's iconic penalty shot sealed the victory. Every player, from dependable defenders Carla Overbeck & Joy Fawsett to charismatic leaders like Julie Foudy and world’s best Mia Hamm, etched a lasting legacy. More than just World Cup Champions, these women stood as influential role models on the global stage, inspiring millions of young girls, myself included.

Their tenacity and team spirit fueled my aspirations, showed me that I could be just like them. This inspiration guided me through my sports journey from elementary school to college, and into the corporate world where I find myself today.

How can we channel the spirit of the ‘99 championship moment to our B2B sales environment? It’s about seeking out role models who encourage us to push boundaries, retain a learner’s mindset, and embody authenticity. It means fostering team morale where teammates can lean on one another, endure hardships, and can still find joy amidst rough days. It also involves creating opportunities for team members to showcase their positive contributions to team and company goals. Moreover, it’s about diligent practice, making sure we’re prepared to knock out our big moments - presentations, pitches, launches - with confidence.?

So, on this #TeamingTuesday, let’s take a page from the ‘99 playbook. Connect with your team. See how they’re doing. Extend a helping hand, share words of encouragement, or offer to assist with a presentation dry run or a peer review of a recorded demo. Remember, we’re a team, and each of us has the power to make a positive impact in someone’s day.

One final thought: To parents, grandparents, siblings, and all role models: spend time watching women's sports with your youngsters. These games may not have the same budgets as men’s sports yet, but offer priceless lessons in determination, strength, teamwork, individuality, and heart. As a young girl who was lucky enough to have parents who understood the power of women’s team sports, I can tell you, it makes a difference.