Mia Hamm's early days
Mariel Margaret Hamm-Garciaparra, better known as Mia Hamm, was born in Selma, Alabama, on March 17, 1972.
Hamm spent most of her childhood traveling around the world since her father was in the United States Air Force. It was not until her family ended up in Florence, Italy, where Hamm kicked a soccer ball around for the first time. Her family went back to the U.S. when she was five years old and signed her up on a soccer team.
When did Mia Hamm earn her first USWNT appearance?
Mia excelled in high school and was good enough to get her U.S. Women's National Team call-up at just 15 years of age – youngest player to ever do so. She represented the U.S. at the 1987 U.S Olympic Festival in Raleigh- Durham, North Carolina.
Where did Mia Hamm go to college?
Given all the national attention Mia attracted during her high-school years, and her undoubtful talent, North Carolina was always going to be her collegiate destination.
Mia helped the Tar Heels win four NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championships in five years. She only lost one game out of 95 in her career wearing white and Carolina blue and recorded 103 goals, 72 assists, totaling 278 points.
How many trophies did Mia Hamm win as a player?
The legendary forward won 9 trophies/gold medals throughout her career:
4x NCAA National Champion (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992)
2x FIFA Women's World Cup (1991, 1999)
2x Olympic gold medalist (1996, 2004)
1x WUSA Founder's Cup (2003)
When did Mia Hamm retire?
Mia retired at age 32 with a record of 158 international goals on December 8, 2004, in front of over 15,000 fans at Home Depot Center in Carson, California. She recorded two assists in her last game against Mexico.
What did Mia Hamm do after retiring as a player?
Mia is a global ambassador for Barcelona as well as a co-owner of the MLS club LAFC.
She also founded the Mia Hamm Foundation, an organization that promotes awareness of and raising funds for families in need of bone marrow or cord blood transplant. The foundation was created after Mia's adopted brother Garret died from aplastic anemia.
Who is Mia Hamm's partner?
Mia is married to ex-Boston Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra since November 22, 2003. They have three kids together, two of whom are twin girls.
What are Mia Hamm's official social media accounts?
Twitter: @miahamm
Facebook: @miahamm9
