WSOC: STOPPAGE TIME

Hope Solo on her journey with Team USA // 6.11.19

By Washington Huskies

June 11^th, 2019

What was your journey to the national team like?

I didn’t earn the starting keeper spot for the U.S. until 2005. My first camp for the full team was in 1997, although it was a young team filling in for the real full team. My first camp with the top players wasn’t until 1999. I was cut from the 2000 Olympic Team after being in residency preparing for the Olympics. I remained on the full team and continued to get extra international experience with the under-20 team going into the 2003 WC. I was also cut from that final roster. I became the alternate in the 2004 Olympics, which although a great learning experience, not making the final roster again hurt deeply. By the time I became the starter I had been cut from two Olympic teams and one WC Team.

What was your most memorable moment with team usa?

Winning the 2015 World Cup, although the 2011 World Cup was one of the best experiences of my life on the field. But after finally winning in 2015, I had this sense that I could walk away from the game fulfilled, knowing that I had accomplished everything I had set out to do in my career. Not every athlete gets to experience that. I know how incredibly fortunate I am, but I also believe that fortune favors the bold.

How did UW Help you reach Your goals?

I had strong role models who weren’t afraid to voice their opinions, were loyal to team and university, and who taught us how to use intelligence coupled with passion to get things done while holding strong to core values.

What is your new role as commentator like?

I know many of the US players inside and out. It’s tough seeing the typical news media fall victim to the commercial pizzaz. I believe players must prove themselves before receiving such glory. I want to see the oftentimes overlooked players get the attention that they have earned through skill and hard work and performance. I will do my best to highlight these wonderful players who are often the glue and the true heroes of the team!