Play for Good Honoree Spotlight: Mia Hamm
Ahead of AFH’s 2023 Play for Good Gala, we are proud to spotlight this year’s three honorees. In this edition, get to know the soccer icon, AFH Founding Athlete behind AFH’s inaugural Mia Hamm Founders Award. We look forward to further honoring Mia on Wednesday evening.
This soccer star’s accolades precede her in more ways than one, but humility is at the core of Mia Hamm’s disposition.
Olympic gold medals, World Cup trophies, United States soccer records, and FIFA World Player of the Year awards are just a few of the ways Hamm cemented herself as one of the best to ever step on the pitch.
But her contributions to the world off the pitch are what make her so special.
Spectators today can attend a U.S. Women’s National team game and spot Mia Hamm jerseys throughout the crowd despite her international play retirement in 2004. As culturally significant as they come, she helped usher in a generation of female soccer players that have seen success in the past decade.
As an Athletes for Hope Founding Athlete, Hamm’s impact stems beyond her playing days. She founded the Mia Hamm Foundation, a national organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness for families in need of a marrow or cord blood transplant and the development of opportunities for young women in sports.
As Hamm once said, “the vision of a champion is bent over, drenched in sweat, at the point of exhaustion, when nobody else is looking.” Her dedication to sport and charity are examples of Hamm’s pure motivation to positively impact whatever team she’s a part of.
Her soccer all-star games have become national events with icons from throughout athletics participating in the matches. The Celebrity Soccer Challenge has saved numerous lives, and in honor of her brother, who passed away from complications surrounding a rare blood disorder, she is stamping a legacy that transcends soccer.
As a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame, Hamm has 17 years of professional excellence that back her being one of the best female athletes of all time. Yet she is not worried about the records and awards.
She cares about what is next- helping save lives in any way she can.
For the next little girl who doesn’t think she is good enough to play a sport she loves, or for the next patient in need of a marrow transplant, Mia Hamm serves as an example of what is possible when athletes use their platform for good.
A celebrated soccer career has been followed by years of service to support those in need. An aura of confidence has always surrounded Hamm, and few were as confident in Athletes for Hope as the soccer star.
Through her continued dedication she has become a staple in sports philanthropy, and the giving space in general.
Congratulations to Athletes for Hope 2023 inaugural Mia Hamm Founders Award Honoree, Mia Hamm.