The United States Women’s National Soccer Team is comprised of 24 of the most talented, passionate, elite and skillful women soccer players the world has seen. Carli Lloyd, current team captain, was named the 2015 World Player of the Year after the USWNT won the 2015 FIFA World Cup in Canada. Nicknamed ‘America’s Heroes,’ the women who make up this super-star team have become iconic emblems for girl’s sports.
With all of their success, comes back-room controversy. Sports have always been riddled with themes of sexism in favor of men. Last year, according to ESPN, the USWNT generated 20 million more dollars in revenue than the United States Men’s National Team did in 2015 to only be paid a fourth of what the men get paid in wages. The ladies of the national team are currently working to qualify for the 2019 World Cup with their most recent win over Japan, 5-2.
Five members, including goalkeeper Hope Solo, midfielder Carli Lloyd and forward Alex Morgan, filed a lawsuit for wage discrimination in tandem with the U.S. Soccer union, which is currently in a dispute with U.S. Soccer Federation over collective bargaining issues.
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This is large issue that should be addressed and as a women’s soccer player for the NCAA, a situation like this is extremely disappointing. The women on the national team sacrifice themselves every day, just like the men do. It is 2016 and wage discrimination should not be an issue, especially when it comes to sports. Soccer is a global sport that connects the different cultures and communities that comprise this world, so hindering that process by discriminating against a gender is unprofessional. A woman should not have to fight the very institution she participates in. Inherent biases against a woman’s gender, especially in the sports realm, is outdated and irrational, especially in regards to the global success this team has had. Every member of the USWNT squad has become role models and inspirations for women and girls alike
I appreciate the dedication and passion the ladies of the national team possess. Their efforts inspire me as a woman and as an athlete to be better than I was the day before. In my opinion, this situation is unavoidable and should be amended. I am proud to be an American woman participant and supporter of women’s athletics, so I sincerely thank the women of the USWNT for fighting this necessary battle for equality. This team deserves equality, not only for themselves, but for women athletes everywhere.
