Mexico City /
Hope Solo, former goalkeeper of the United States women’s national team, recalls the ordeal of joining the national team in 2000, when she encountered a privileged group of players who were “thugs” in the locker room.
“When you grow up in the national team you come across a club of ‘bad girls’. Most of the players come from wealthy white families. That’s the culture of the women’s national team. It’s a very privileged white culture.
“I remember that Carli Lloyd and I used to talk about it and say, ‘We have to change this culture. She and I were very hospitable, we weren’t bully. We were very nice to the girls who came, ”she told BBC podcast The Players.
But 20 years later, things and the environment of the Selection it is more welcoming to the new members, although she believes that the old days helped 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, however I also don’t think this helps develop character in many of these younger athletes. Now they have mostly paved the way. You can’t push them the same way you did before to make it really competitive. It’s a very different environment and I don’t think it’s always a good thing. I think it creates softer athletes, ”he added.