Women’s World Cup Star Shannon MacMillan on Women’s Soccer
The FIFA Women’s World Cup is recognized as the most important International competition in women’s soccer. Just like the Men’s World Cup, it is played every four years. Former FIFA president João Havelange launched the first Women’s World Cup tournament twenty years ago in 1991 and America became the first champions of the game.
Shannon MacMillan is one of the most humble, talented and genuine super stars of our soccer world. Olympic Gold Medalist, World Cup Soccer Star and Hall of Fame inductee, Shannon MacMillan enjoyed a fabulous twelve year career and is one of the few women running a youth soccer club in America. The Del Mar Carmel Valley Sharks is a thriving youth soccer club which has grown significantly with her leadership. MacMillan talks to SoccerToday about women’s soccer and the upcoming Women’s World Cup this summer in Canada.
Diane Scavuzzo: The Women’s World Cup is coming up and the US Women’s National Team just lost to France in a friendly. They are playing England tomorrow – how do you think they will do?
Shannon MacMilan: They need to get a result. With a limited number of games before the world cup they need to get out of the experiment phase and start fine-tuning. The approach and focus for each game should be as if they are in the World Cup.
Diane Scavuzzo: Does the women’s game receive enough attention in the media?
Shannon MacMillan: You really do not hear enough about the Women’s World Cup on the news, on ESPN or in the media. It seems like the only ones really aware that it is a World Cup year for the women is the hard core soccer fans. Fox Sports is providing coverage this year and they have promised top notch coverage. I am hopeful this will create a buzz and continue to help build the women’s game.
Diane Scavuzzo: Why does the Women’s World Cup not receive the same publicity and promotion?
Shannon MacMillan: I wish I knew, I have no idea, it is disappointing to say the least.
I think a lot of people who will watch women and prefer it.
It tends to be more of a team sport and a lot less diving and trying to draw a call from the referee! Just because women are playing doesn’t make it any different or less of a sport.
Diane Scavuzzo: Some say it is not physical enough…
Shannon MacMillan: They can go watch ultimate fighting. Soccer is not about fouling, it is a beautiful game to watch.”
Diane Scavuzzo: Who is the best female player now?
Shannon MacMillan: In my eyes; There are several great female soccer players; Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Lauren Holiday and Carli Lloyd are just a few of the great US players that have the ability to make a big impact on the game.
This team is really going to have to come together and player as one solid unit to have a chance to win. They have to put all the distractions aside and focus on a common goal – another championship!
Diane Scavuzzo: How do you think the US team is going to perform?
Shannon MacMillan: The US has plenty of talent and if they can all get on the same page, they will have just as much of a chance to win as any other country.
It will certainly be difficult mainly because there is so much parity from other countries now supporting their women’s programs.
Diane Scavuzzo: What advice would you give them?
Shannon MacMillan: Work hard as a team and never give up. Take it one day at a time, focus on your immediate opponent and don’t look to far ahead and don’t forget to take a step back and realize you are playing at the World Cup, it is going to be top notch.
Diane Scavuzzo: Are you go to see the Women’s World Cup this summer?
Shannon MacMillan: I currently don’t have plans to be up there but I can guarantee that I will be watching all of the games and I look forward to watching the USA with my GU11 team!
Diane Scavuzzo: What teams pose the greatest threat to the USA Women’s National Team?
Shannon MacMillan: Germany and Brazil.
Diane Scavuzzo: Why Brazil?
Shannon MacMillan: They are a phenomenal team and they are so close to breaking through… they are getting to the semis and winning big games, the team is very close so they are a competitor to watch out for. Never take them lightly. When you have a player like Marta, she can singlehandedly be the difference.
Diane Scavuzzo: What about Canada?
Shannon MacMillan: You can never count the home team out! Having home field advantage is a huge advantage, especially when it comes to being on the road for so long and taking into account the food, weather, fields, etc.
Diane Scavuzzo: Men’s soccer in America is often referred to as being behind European countries, how do we rank for women’s soccer?
Shannon MacMillan: Our Women’s National Team is a great role model for girls playing soccer in America. The USA teams have won both World Cups and Olympics, so we are at the top.
Diane Scavuzzo: Why do American women have a record of performing better?
Shannon MacMillan: Because American girls are allowed to play since we were born, other countries are catching up now. There are more girls playing soccer in America than in most other countries in the world and this has given us an advantage up until now.
Diane Scavuzzo: Can you tell me one of your experiences in the World Cup?
Shannon MacMillan:
It is your ultimate dream come true and there are no words to even come close to explaining what it is like! It is the ultimate high.
Diane Scavuzzo: What is the most memorable moment?
Shannon MacMillan: Walking out on the field on the Rose bowl and realizing the stadium was packed in 1999.
Diane Scavuzzo: What was your greatest memory of playing in the Women’s World Cup?
Shannon MacMillan: Winning in 1999! We poured our hearts and souls into promoting that World Cup and with each city the support grew. After we won, it was surreal to walk around the field at the Rose Bowl and soak it all in with a huge sigh of relief and amazement.
Diane Scavuzzo: When your team won the World Cup, what was it like?
Shannon MacMillan: It was amazing, wonderful. It is so hard to describe those moments. I can remember feeling the excitement.
Diane Scavuzzo: What was the difference between winning the Gold Medal in the Olympics and winning the World Cup?
Shannon MacMillan: The Olympics is a vast event with all sports and the world cup is just for soccer. It was great to play in both but every athlete wants to play it the Olympics, and every soccer player dreams of playing in the world cup.
Diane Scavuzzo: When you were 12 did you dream of winning the World Cup?
Shannon MacMillan: I didn’t even know there was a Women’s World Cup when I was young, I just dreamt of playing in the Olympics.
Diane Scavuzzo: Was winning the Gold Medal in the Olympics a dream come true for you?
Shannon MacMillan: Yes. Being a part of the Olympics was a wonderful experience. Winning a Gold was amazing.
Diane Scavuzzo: You have played and reached the highest levels in soccer. You have been where most girls dream of going. How do your high level experiences help motivate and inspire players today?
Shannon MacMillan: I am able to speak honestly and from experience. There will be plenty of times that things will get “hard” and players will want to give up and quit. I firmly believe that if you develop the kids and build a strong foundation and help foster a true love for the game, they will be able to fight through the adversity and be better for it!
Diane Scavuzzo: How many girls grow up to compete in the World Cup and the Olympics?
Shannon MacMillan: Not many, only 1% I think.
Diane Scavuzzo: Does being in that 1% make you a better coach?
Shannon MacMillan: Not every player, who has played at this high level, makes a good coach. The game is continually evolving so I am always looking to grow and learn as a coach.
Diane Scavuzzo: You could live anywhere in the world. How did you pick San Diego?
Shannon MacMillan: This is where I grew up and it is home. I need to see the ocean.
Diane Scavuzzo: How is being the Director of the Del Mar Carmel Valley Sharks Competitive Youth Soccer program?
Shannon MacMillan: I really enjoy it and am grateful for the opportunity to be a teacher and help inspire young players.
Diane Scavuzzo: Any last words on women’s soccer?
Shannon MacMillan: If someone isn’t in Canada watching the games live, I hope they are tuning in to watch! This is going to be an exciting World Cup! Go USA!
Editor’s Note: Women’s soccer was added to the Olmpic’s official program in 1996
For More Information on the Women’s World Cup, visit FIFA
