Locals motivated by success of United States in Women's World Cup

Young girls across the nation and here in the Lowcountry are drawing inspiration from the success of the U.S. women's soccer team at the World Cup.

Remi Olalere, a 13-year-old student at Laing Middle School, spent Thursday afternoon at a soccer clinic at Stoney Field in Charleston. The heat and humidity were high.

So were Olalerle's hopes.

"I hope the United States wins," she said of Sunday's Women's World Cup final that pits the United States against Japan. "This is great for soccer. This is great for girls soccer."

The U.S. team's success in Germany this month is sparking interest in women's soccer, just as it did in 1999 when the Americans stunned China to win their second World Cup championship.

Anna Merriman, who coached the Academic Magnet High School girls soccer team to a state title two months ago, was a freshman at Marietta (Ga.) High School in 1999.

"Women's soccer just exploded on the national consciousness that day when they won the World Cup," she said. "It just wasn't the teen-aged girls. It was adult males and senior citizens. Women's soccer was no longer a niche sport. As a soccer player, I was inspired to rededicate myself."

Brandi Chastain was the hero on that day, scoring on a penalty kick in overtime. She ran across the field, fell to her knees and tore off her shirt in celebration. Her image appeared in newspapers, magazines and on televsion around the world.

That's what Jane Vardzel remembers most about the '99 World Cup.

"That was the game Chastain took her shirt off. Wasn't it?" said Vardzel, a rising senior soccer player at Wando.

"This year's world Cup has had some great moments and has some great players," she added. "I've watched all the U.S. games and it's good to see all the excitement. It's also good to see women's sports get some attention. Women's soccer is being televised on ESPN, and it's good to see it is getting some exposure like that."

KenAndra De Saussure recently graduated from West Ashley High School and will play soccer for Charleston Southern. She said watching the U.S. women has inspired her.

"When I watch them play, it makes me want to go out and give it all I have. Making the transition from high school to college will be tough, but when I'm challenged, I'll remember the challenges the U.S. women faced and how they responded in a positive way."

De Saussure said she hopes this World Cup will have a lasting effect on women's soccer.

"Hopefully, the United States will win and that will bring more girls out to play soccer," she said. "I notice my 8-year-old niece is starting to show interest in soccer. I brought her to practice with me. Girls like her might be the future of the sport."

Olalere concurred.

"I think this will motivate players to become better," she said. "This should inspire girls to become members of the U.S. national team. This is a great motivator."

Reach Philip M. Bowman at 937-5592. Follow him on Twitter: @pandcphil.