Mia Hamm

My hero is Mariel Margaret Hamm, also known as Mia Hamm. She was born March 17th, 1972 in Selma Alabama. Her childhood was very busy because she was playing on over 3 soccer teams. Her family was very supportive of her but when she got older her life became harder when her brother got diagnosed with bone marrow disease. I chose her for my hero because she was extremely passionate. No matter what happened she pushed through it with the help of her teammates and family. Mia is exceptionally athletic, humble, and a good influence.

Mia is a hero because she was especially good at soccer. She does camps, clinics and tries to improve young girls' soccer skills. Her brother Garrett taught her to be humble and considerate of others. He was Mia’s hero. In 1997 when Garrett was diagnosed, Mia was having difficulties with everything, but she pushed through it. Garrett inspired her to start playing soccer and if it wasn’t for him Mia wouldn’t be who she is today.

She made a difference in many people's lives. “The Mia Foundation” which started in 1999, is what she accomplished to help people with the same disease her brother Garrett had. People donated blood, marrow, and money to the foundation. It has saved and helped a lot of people. In doing that Mia felt better, and she knew Garrett would have been proud.

Mariel Margaret Hamm is now 39, married to Andrew GarciaParra with twin daughters Grace and Ava. She lives in North Carolina with her family. She is many people’s hero and has helped influence the world to be kinder and more passionate and to never give up. “Make sure you're playing soccer because you love it, not because your parents are making you play” - Mia Hamm

Sources:

“Mia Hamm.” Women’s Soccer World. Link4ads.5/23/99 3/4/11 http://www.womensoccer.com/biogs/hamm.html

“Mia Hamm.” Wikipedia. 2011. 3/4/11http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mia_Hamm

“Mia Hamm Foundation.” Mia Hamm foundation. Gatorade. 16 March 2008. 3/4/11 http://www.miafoundation.org/v