First and foremost, congratulations to the USWNT for their World Cup finals victory over Japan, 5-2! This accomplishment was something all fans could share with the team and refurbished the face of American soccer. Here’s a list of principles that the USWNT exhibited throughout their journey toward reaching their goal.

5. Depth Can Be Lethal

At the initial start of training back in January, Head Coach Jill Ellis put together the best 23 players that fit her system of play. Players like Abby Wambach (F), Alex Morgan (F), Carly Lloyd (M), and Hope Solo (GK) were already household names with many World Cup and Olympics experiences on their résumés. Ellis kept many veterans like Shannon Boxx (M), Christie Rampone (D), and Megan Rapinoe (M) and wanted to stay fresh with new additions like Sydney Leroux (F), Morgan Brian (M), and Christen Press (M). Ellis formulated a larger roster than former coach Pia Sundhage carried in 2011 and returned to 23 players as the USWNT carried in 2007 and 2003.

As Wambach, Boxx, and Rampone are approaching the end of their remarkable soccer careers, the incorporation of substitution flexibility and situational management were extremely important in order to succeed in the tournament. Luckily enough for Ellis, the players specialized for specific roles performed exceptionally well in all four stages of competition. Along with Lloyd’s magnificent eight goals in the World Cup and Solo’s shut-down performance (conceded 3 goals in 7 World Cup matches), players like Brian and Press came into each game exceeding every expectation and managed the game perfectly. Their play doesn’t always need to show up on the stat sheet; it showed up on every dribble, volley, cross, and throw in.

The USWNT exhibited the importance of depth and its influence on each game throughout the tournament. They proved that the “superstar vs. everyone” theory doesn’t work and plans to keep the same depth strategy in preparation for the 2019 World Cup. Whether you’re an athlete or not, it’s highly important to surround yourself with opportunities to succeed and reach your goals.

4. Focus and Persistence

No one can argue that this USA squad was motivated and determined for greatness. When the cameras captured the team walking through the opening tunnel, the goosebump meter was completely shattered in pieces. Shades of the 1980 US Men’s Hockey Team were clearly distinctive. The stories of each US team were different, but the emotion and “war” attitude were clearly alike.

Please watch this excellent commercial from Nike Soccer that captivates the journey of the USWNT. (I understand this is acting and editing, but it still paints a pretty picture)

3. Preparation Above All Else

Today’s preparation determines tomorrow’s achievement. The USWNT had to devote 95% of their mind and body to the game of soccer in order to achieve their goal. In an era where most US national athletes compete at a professional/collegiate level, athletes are expected to adhere to their country when their name is called for action.

The USWNT dedicated six months of non-stop training and team chemistry building in order to reach the pinnacle of the soccer world in July. The conditions were sometimes overbearing and the practices were sometimes ruthless, but no one decided to step away from an opportunity to be the best in the world.

If you want something, you have to work for it. Plain and simple.

Here are some clips that explain the tenacity and commitment these athletes exhibited.

2. Revenge is Best Served Cold

Every athlete has a little ounce of intensity in them, especially if things don’t go as planned. The USWNT could taste their first World Cup title since 1999 back in 2011, but the soccer gods had something else up their sleeves. The USWNT had two options; crawl into a cave and soak in their missed opportunity, or begin their preparation for the next World Cup. You can guess which option they chose.

Some believe revenge is a hypothetical term that brings out the worst in those that exhibit it. In the world of sports, that can’t be further from the truth. The USWNT proved to the sports world that they intend to take down anyone that steps in their way of the ultimate prize.

We can now say that revenge has its benefits.

1. Team Chemistry Trumps All

A coach can train his/her athletes until their faces turn blue. The final roster might contain the best player in the world. In the game of soccer, nothing else matters above team chemistry. The greatest national athletic teams in US history upheld successful chemistry. We could see first-hand throughout much of the World Cup tournament how these women interacted with one another.

Whether it was on the practice fields or on the world stage in Montreal, the USWNT never shied away from exuberating their belief and confidence in one another. They all pursued the same vision and worked for it, but didn’t let their vigorous path prohibit the need for fun.

Here are some more examples of team chemistry with the ladies of the red, white and blue.

These World Cup champions changed the image of US Soccer within one month of competitive success. It doesn’t matter if you’re a die-hard or a casual fan, it’s important to understand the journey, emotions, and motive to reach life’s goals, just like the USWNT.