Born: 1971 (New York City, USA)
Biography:
Kristine Marie Lilly Heavey (née Lilly; born July 22, 1971) is an American retired soccer player who made an indelible mark on the sport. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest female footballers of all time and is often referred to as the Queen of Caps. Lilly’s remarkable career spanned an impressive 23 years, during which she became the most-capped football player in the history of the sport, regardless of gender.
Lilly was born in New York City and spent her formative years in Wilton, Connecticut. Even from a young age, her passion for soccer was evident, and it didn’t take long for her to catch the attention of the higher-ups in the sport. At just 16 years old, while still attending Wilton High School, she received her first call-up to the United States women’s national team. This was the beginning of a storied career that would shape the landscape of women’s football.
After graduating from high school, Lilly joined the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Plying her trade as a student-athlete, she played for the North Carolina Tar Heels women’s soccer team from 1989 to 1992. It was during this time that she truly began to shine. Incredibly, Lilly won the NCAA Women’s Soccer Championship every year she played for UNC, showcasing her ability to consistently perform at the highest level. Moreover, she was recognized individually, winning the prestigious Hermann Trophy as a junior in 1991 and the Honda Sports Award as the nation’s top soccer player in her senior year.
Lilly’s success at the collegiate level was just a taste of what was to come. In 1994, she embarked on her professional career, joining Tyresö FF in Sweden. After one season, she returned to the United States, where she continued to break barriers. The following year, she became the first and only woman to play in the Continental Indoor Soccer League, competing for the Washington Warthogs. Her presence shattered gender norms and showcased her fearlessness and determination.
In 1998, Lilly joined the Delaware Genies in the W-League, setting the stage for the next pivotal phase of her career. In 2001, the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA) was founded, marking the first-ever professional women’s soccer league in which players were paid. Lilly played a pivotal role in the league’s establishment, becoming a founding member and team captain of the Boston Breakers.
With the Breakers, Lilly displayed her unparalleled skill set and leadership qualities. In her debut season, she appeared in every match, playing the full 90 minutes in each game. Not only did she lead the league in assists with eleven, but she also contributed three goals. These remarkable performances earned her First Team All-WUSA honors, solidifying her status as one of the league’s finest players.
Lilly’s impact continued to grow in the subsequent seasons. In 2002, she started in 19 games, further elevating her point total by scoring eight goals and assisting on thirteen others. Once again, she garnered First Team All-WUSA recognition and was selected as a starter for the WUSA North All-Star Team. The following year, Lilly continued to impress, starting all 19 matches and contributing three goals and four assists.
Beyond her club success, Lilly’s international career is nothing short of extraordinary. She appeared in 354 international matches, earning her the title of the most-capped football player in history. Throughout her tenure with the United States women’s national team, she scored 130 goals, second only to Mia Hamm and Abby Wambach. Lilly’s contributions to the team’s success cannot be underestimated, as she played a pivotal role in securing two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles (1991, 1999) and two Olympic gold medals (1996, 2004).
Lilly’s impact extends far beyond the soccer field. Her resilience and dedication have inspired countless girls and women to pursue their dreams, both in sports and in life. She has been a role model for aspiring female athletes, breaking barriers and fighting for gender equality in the sport she loves. Her legacy as a trailblazer in women’s soccer and her devotion to the game make her a true icon and a remarkable figure in women’s history.
Awards:
– Two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion (1991, 1999)
– Two-time Olympic gold medalist (1996, 2004)
– NCAA Women’s Soccer Championship winner (1989-1992)
– Hermann Trophy (1991)
– Honda Sports Award (1992)
– First Team All-WUSA (2001, 2002)
– WUSA North All-Star Team (2002)