By Kathy Groob, Publisher ElectWomen Magazine 

While Americans celebrate the strong U.S. Women’s Soccer team’s accomplishments during the World Cup tournament, the team members’ legacy could one day become more than just about sports.  Men’s athletics has produced not only world champions and modern day heroes, but a host of politicians have emerged from the athletic class.

In 1999 the United States women captured the attention of the world when they won their first ever world championship in soccer, the World Cup.  Their instant stardom inspired leagues of young female soccer players and showed American sports watchers that women’s sports indeed could draw the legions of fans that had only been seen in male sports.

1999 U.S. Women Soccer World Cup Champions

Where are Brandi Chastain, Mia Hamm, Brianna Scurry and Carla Overbeck, Christie Rampone and their teammates?  The women of the 1999 championship team are now in their late 30’s to early 40’s.  They have become authors, mothers, coaches, community and foundation leaders, activists and spokeswomen.  So far, none of the championship women have run for public office.

History is full of celebrated male athletes who have gone on to run and hold public office. Their victories made easier by their popularity and athletic accomplishments.  Heath Shuler, the former University of Tennessee quarterback is a Congressman; Jim Ryun, the Olympic runner from Kansas, served in the U.S. Congress; Bill Bradley, former NBA player, served as a U.S. Senator from New York; professional baseball player Jim Bunning served as a U.S. Senator from Kentucky, Houston Oilers lineman John Runyan serves in the U.S. Congress from New Jersey; J.C. Watts played football at the University of Oklahoma and served in Congress and former wrestler Jesse Ventura served as governor of Minnesota.

To compete at the level of a champion requires a strong work ethic, team spirit, positive attitude, personal stamina, accountability, and confidence.  Sounds like the qualities needed for a true public servant.  While falling short of their ultimate goal, the 2011 U.S. Women’s Soccer Team members have distinguished themselves and shown the type of personal qualities that could make good politicians.

Congratulations ladies. We hope to see you compete in the political arena in the future.