Brandi Chastain

Brandi Chastain is a retired American soccer player recognized for her significant contributions to the growth of women's soccer in the United States. Chastain played for the United States Women's National Team (USWNT) as a versatile defender, occasionally taking on roles as a midfielder and forward. During her collegiate career, she was named Freshman Player of the Year at the University of California-Berkeley before transferring to Santa Clara University, where she led her team to two NCAA Final Four appearances and was named ISAA Player of the Year.

Chastain is widely known for scoring the decisive penalty kick in the FIFA Women's World Cup final against China, a moment that became a cultural milestone and appeared on the covers of Sports Illustrated, Time, and Newsweek. Her goal secured the U.S. Women's second World Cup title and remains one of the most memorable moments in soccer history. Over her career, Chastain earned 192 caps for the national team, winning two FIFA Women's World Cup titles and two Olympic gold medals, as well as a silver medal.

Chastain was named to the USWNT All-Time Best XI and inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame, Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame, and California Hall of Fame. After her playing career, she transitioned into coaching, leading Bellarmine College Preparatory to a CCS open division championship title. She also worked as a sports broadcaster for NBC, ABC, and ESPN, providing commentary for the Beijing Olympics, FIFA Women's World Cup, London Olympics, and Major League Soccer matches.

Chastain is a co-founder of the Bay Area Women's Sports Initiative (BAWSI), an organization dedicated to providing sports opportunities for young girls. She played a key role in the establishment of Bay FC, the first National Women's Soccer League team representing the Bay Area. Chastain has pledged to donate her brain to the Concussion & CTE Foundation for research and is an advocate for concussion and CTE awareness, Title IX, gender equality in sports, and empowering young girls through soccer.

Chastain is the author of the book, "It's Not About The Bra: How To Play Hard, Play Fair and Put the Fun Back into Youth Sports," in which she discusses leadership, resilience, and the importance of positive role models in youth sports. Her influence extends to television, with appearances on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Late Show with David Letterman," and "Good Morning America." Chastain's career has had a lasting impact on soccer, gender equality in sports, and athlete advocacy.