Mariel Margaret Hamm

Mia Hamm was a rambunctious individual that started sports at a young age. Her parents were two encouraging people that raised Mia very well. Bill, her dad, was a fighter pilot and her mother, Stephanie, was a ballet dancer. Mia had five siblings. Though her mother loved ballet, Mia hated dance and quit after one lesson. Then she discovered soccer, and knew it was her calling. She began playing on a team at the age of five. Though at first, Mia was a shy little girl that couldn’t find a hobby she liked, she soon excelled in a truly awesome sport.

Mia Hamm has won many memorable awards so far in her career. First, she has been the US Soccer Female Athlete of the Year from 1994 to 1999. In 1996 she was an Olympic Gold Medalist and Goodwill Games Gold Medalist in 1998. Next, her team has won the World Cup in 1991 and 1999. Also, in 1997, she received the Women’s Sports Foundation Athlete of the Year Award. Lastly, she was an All-Time Leading Scorer in 1999. Mia Hamm is an accomplished athlete.

Mia has many hidden fun facts that people have probably never heard before. First of all, her real name is Mariel, not Mia. Also, she was the first girl to play Little League baseball in Wichita Falls. Her favorite food is pasta. Who would have guessed? Mia is multi-talented because she is also great at basketball. Lastly, Mia Hamm tried out for her Junior High School football team and played wide receiver and a bit of quarterback. Mia Hamm is a phenomenal athlete that has an interesting background. She is really someone to look up to and follow her example.

Mia Hamm is an influential woman that has shown many people how to follow their dreams. She is my hero for many reasons. First of all, soccer is my favorite sport and she is a superb athlete in that sport. She has taught me skills in soccer that are essential to the game. Without her I probably wouldn’t be playing at all. She has made me believe in myself and yearn to fulfill goals that I once thought were impossible. For this, she is my greatest hero.