Mexico City /
Solo Hope, former goalkeeper of the team United States women’s national team, remembers the ordeal to join the national team in 2000, as she was hit by a privileged group of players who were “underworld” in the locker room.
“When you grow up in the national team, you meet a club of “bad girls”. Most of the players come from wealthy white families. This is the culture of the women’s national team. It is a very privileged white culture.
“I remember Carli Lloyd and we always talked about it and said, “We need to change this culture. She and I were very welcoming, we were not bully. We were very nice to the girls who came, “she told the BBC’s The Players podcast.
But 20 years later, things have changed and so has the environment Selection it is more welcoming to new members, although it believes that the old days have helped to strengthen the character of the young players who are now part of it.
“It’s a much more open and welcoming environment, it’s an easier transition, but I also don’t think this helps develop character in many of these younger athletes. Now they have the paved road most of the time. You can’t push them the same way you pushed them before they were really competitive. It’s a completely different environment and I don’t think it’s always a good thing. I think it creates softer athletes, “he added.