Trinity Rodman, Alex Morgan, and Rose Lavelle.
For the third time in a row, the U.S.‘sWorld Cupplayers are going for the gold.Kicking off on July 20, the Women’s World Cup pits some of the world’s most talented athletes against each other with only one goal: coming out on top. The American team has a certain knack for just that. After winning in both2015and2019, the team heads into this tournament hoping to make World Cup history — among both men and women — with a third-straight championship.While the team revs up for their first game on July 21, get to know some of its biggest players, who spoke with PEOPLE about their soccer dreams — and karaoke.
For the third time in a row, the U.S.‘sWorld Cupplayers are going for the gold.
Kicking off on July 20, the Women’s World Cup pits some of the world’s most talented athletes against each other with only one goal: coming out on top. The American team has a certain knack for just that. After winning in both2015and2019, the team heads into this tournament hoping to make World Cup history — among both men and women — with a third-straight championship.
While the team revs up for their first game on July 21, get to know some of its biggest players, who spoke with PEOPLE about their soccer dreams — and karaoke.
01of 07
Sofia Huerta, 30
Sofia Huerta.Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty
Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty
Position:Defender
Hometown:Boise, ID
Huerta, who has dual Mexican citizenship, is proud to “inspire the younger generation, especially the Latinx community,” she tells PEOPLE. When not playing soccer, Huerta is “passionate about rescuing dogs,” and has two little pitbulls.
02of 07
Rose Lavelle, 28
Rose Lavelle.Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty
Position:Midfielder
Hometown:Cincinnati, OH
One of thestars of the 2019 championshipteam, Lavelle considers Mia Hamm, who played on the U.S. National Soccer Team from 1987 to 2004, the greatest of all time. “It hasn’t really hit me that I am to kids what players like Mia Hamm were to me,” she says. While Lavelle is proud of her journey, she wanted to thank the “people that have helped me get there that don’t get their name on the roster.”
03of 07Naomi Girma, 23Naomi Girma.Brad Smith/ISI Photos/GettyPosition:DefenderHometown:San Jose, CAGo-To Karaoke Song:“Shallow” fromA Star is Born“There’s been a lot of hard work and sacrifices from everyone,” says Girma, whose parents emigrated from Ethiopia, “not just me.” Girma found her love of soccer from local gatherings where “the Ethiopians of the Bay Area would get together, and the kids would play and the parents would chat.”
03of 07
Naomi Girma, 23
Naomi Girma.Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty
Hometown:San Jose, CA
Go-To Karaoke Song:“Shallow” fromA Star is Born
“There’s been a lot of hard work and sacrifices from everyone,” says Girma, whose parents emigrated from Ethiopia, “not just me.” Girma found her love of soccer from local gatherings where “the Ethiopians of the Bay Area would get together, and the kids would play and the parents would chat.”
04of 07
Kristie Mewis, 32
Kristie Mewis.Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty
Hometown:Hanson, MA
“I want to be a good role model as part of the LGBT community,” saysMewis. “I want everyone to be comfortable in their own skin.” Reflecting on her duties as a public figure, Mewis, whose younger sister Sam was on the 2019 team, said, “I do feel it is a sense of responsibility in a good way.”
05of 07
Alyssa Thompson, 18
Alyssa Thompson.Brad Smith/USSF/Getty
Brad Smith/USSF/Getty
Position:Forward
Hometown:Studio City, CA
As thesecond-youngest playerever to make a U.S. women’s World Cup team, Thompson is learning from veterans likeMegan Rapinoe: “They are powerful women ready to win,” she says. Thompson emphasized the bond between the group, noting that they “always look out for you.”
06of 07
Trinity Rodman, 21
Trinity Rodman.Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty
Hometown:Newport Beach, CA
The daughter of the NBA’sDennis Rodmansays the lateKobe Bryantwas an inspiration for her at age 6.Rodman played on a teamwith his eldest daughter Natalia, and gave her some advice: “He made it clear women are capable of being as successful.” She went on to describe her bond with the Bryant family, saying, “I’ve met his whole family. They’re all amazing humans and I’m glad to have been able to connect with them.”
07of 07Alex Morgan, 34Alex Morgan.Brad Smith/ISI Photos/GettyPosition:ForwardHometown:Diamond Bar, CA“Honestly, it’s probably the least amount of stress that I’ve ever felt going into a World Cup,” saysMorgan, who plays for theSan Diego Waveduring the regular season. “I just feel really confident with where I am. Obviously the pressure will build throughout the tournament, but we feel more like a team than ever. So we’re just really excited to get started.”
07of 07
Alex Morgan, 34
Alex Morgan.Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty
Hometown:Diamond Bar, CA
“Honestly, it’s probably the least amount of stress that I’ve ever felt going into a World Cup,” saysMorgan, who plays for theSan Diego Waveduring the regular season. “I just feel really confident with where I am. Obviously the pressure will build throughout the tournament, but we feel more like a team than ever. So we’re just really excited to get started.”
source: people.com
