The Washington Post’s Steven Goff reports that Minnesotan Briana Scurry has been elected to the most recent National Soccer Hall of Fame class.
Finally, Briana Scurry has been elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
First black woman, first female goalkeeper#uswnt
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) August 3, 2017
The goalkeeper from Minnesota — who came out of Anoka high school — made 173 appearances for the US Women’s National Team between 1994 and 2008. In those years, she won the Olympic Gold Medal twice and the World Cup in 1999.
During her long career, Scurry broke down a number of barriers, including becoming the first black woman to play in goal for the United States and one of the first openly LGBTQ players.
When the Women’s United Soccer Association launched in 2001, Scurry signed as the captain of the Atlanta Beat. Later, she played for the Washington Freedom before a concussion eventually caused her to retire from professional soccer in 2010.
In response to the news, Scurry issued the following statement:
“I remember watching the Olympics on the couch with my parents at eight years old, dreaming of becoming an Olympian myself. It was with their help – and that of my coaches, teammates, and countless others – that I was blessed to not only become an Olympian, but an Olympic and World Cup champion. Soccer had already given me so much more than I could possibly give back. Now, to be inducted alongside the likes of Michelle Akers, Mia Hamm, and Kristine Lilly – I am truly humbled. And though my mother and father have passed, I can feel their pride swell. Thank you for letting me play for you, and thank you all for this incredible honor.”
The official announcement of the entire 2017 Hall of Fame class has not been made yet. Another Minnesotan, Tony Sanneh, is also eligible for election.
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