(Story courtesy of Southwestern University Sports Information Department)
GEORGETOWN, Texas -- The National Soccer Hall of Fame announced the six members of its 2022 class, naming Southwestern head women's soccer coach Linda Hamilton, along with Shannon Boxx, Clint Dempsey, Hope Solo, Marco Etcheverry, and Esse Baharmast.
Hamilton is one of two candidates elected from the Veteran ballot. She played 71 full internationals for the U.S. between 1987 and 1995. She was a key defender on the U.S. team that won the first Women's World Cup in 1991 and played in the 1995 World Cup tournament.
"In 1987 when [Hamilton] joined us, the United States women had never won a game in international competition," Anson Dorrance, Hamilton's former coach with the United States Women's National Team, says. "And five years later, in 1991, we were World Champions. [She was] a critical part of this as an extraordinary marking back who would literally mangle some of the best strikers in the world as we went on in the World's game to show them how it could be played."
Hamilton was surprised with the news at a team gathering watching the United States Men's National Team against Canada. Dorrance delivered the information over a video conference at halftime of the game.
"It was certainly a surprise. Obviously, I'm overwhelmed, humbled, and very happy to be recognized with such an honor," Hamilton says. "I feel very fortunate to have been a part of such a great time in soccer for the women's game in the United States. I'm grateful to my teammates for being who they were and growing up together. I'm just really happy."
Hamilton and the other members of the Hall of Fame Class of 2022 will be inducted at a ceremony on May 21 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, along with Christie Pearce Rampone, who deferred her induction after being chosen for the Hall of Fame's 2021 class. The ceremony will take place inside the National Soccer Hall of Fame, powered by NEC, followed by a concert at Toyota Stadium featuring Zac Brown Band, presented by WinStar World Casino and Resort.
