Soccer’s Black History: Female Trailblazers Who Led the Way

There would be no Black history in America nor a month in honor of celebration and reflection, without the women who have the prefix “first” included before their accomplishments. It all begins with a leader. And there are plenty of Female soccer players who fit the bill.

The Firsts To Ever Do It

Kim Crabbe

One can’t correlate Black history to American soccer without initially referencing the pioneer herself, Kim Crabbe. Crabbe, the first black woman called up to the United States Women’s National Team, would cement a legacy and lasting impact on future generations of black players. Crabbe grew up in Reston, Virginia and attended George Mason University where she won a National Championship in 1985. That following year, she found herself dressed in stars and stripes, a distinction no woman like her had achieved before. 

Surrounded by people who didn’t share the same physical features, she embraced those differences and refused to allow underrepresentation to squander her dreams. “I just knew that I had a mission every time I stepped on that field and that was it.” Her mission of equal opportunity and progressing the game didn’t stop when her national team career ended in 1988. She’s currently the Director Of Programming and Outreach for Wilmington Hammerheads FC, a non-profit youth soccer organization in North Carolina. Her accolades include 2021 Youth Coach of the Year and Virginia-DC Hall of Fame inductee. Crabbe is the definition of a community servant.

Sandi Gordon

While Crabbe paved the way, the color barrier was broken again in 1987 when Sandi Gordon became the first black woman to earn a cap for the United States. Gordon’s passion for soccer began as a child after her family moved to Washington. She played for a youth club team, the Tacoma Sounderettes, which later graduated to a senior team, the Cozars. She was named the state’s top player in 1981. During a 2020 interview, Gordon details how there were few opportunities during her adolescence to obtain national recognition within soccer. Clearly, her determination and dedication to competing at the highest level was unwavering.

Although losing 2-1 to Sweden in her debut for her country, her historical achievement would stand to be far more memorable. USWNT head coach at the time, Anson Dorrance, said Gordon’s competitiveness and versatility was unbelievable and he enjoyed coaching her. The 24 year-old’s special talent earned her six additional caps as a defender. When asked about her time with the national team, she said “There’s a great deal of satisfaction knowing that I was involved in some way in laying the groundwork for the women’s game.”

Know Her Name

With the topic of greatness comes the world-class save from Briana Scurry. Two-time Olympic Gold Medalists and World Cup Champion, Scurry was the first Black Female player to earn both accolades. The list of achievements grew as her senior career progressed, yet, many soccer fans know the name because of her greatest save. History was made in July 1999 when a sold out crowd in Pasadena, California, anxiously awaited the victor between the United States and China in the Women’s World Cup final.

After both teams failed to score during regulation and periods of extra time, the match came down to a penalty shootout. Following two successful shots from each side, Scurry took her position once again in front of the net. This time, she saved the penalty. She came off her line, dove to the left and punched the ball wide. The southern California stadium erupted and Scurry pumped her first in the air with excitement. That day, the Americans were crowned winners and black women and girls in the country gained one remarkable role model.

Black History Month is a time to spotlight what black people have contributed to America. The National Museum of African American History and Culture showcases Scurry’s contributions in a permanent Title IX exhibit. The standout goalkeeper retired in 2010 and finished her senior career with 173 caps. She has set the precedent for what overcoming barriers in this country looks like. She’s the first Black Female in the National Soccer Hall of Fame. She is openly gay. And she is certainly one of the greatest goalkeepers in the world. In her memoir, “My Greatest Save”, Scurry wrote, “I wouldn’t change a thing. I love who I am. I love the path I’ve walked.”

The Future Looks Black

The United States have made strides towards providing a more inclusive and diverse environment for Black Female athletes. The power of Black History Month grants current players the time to reflect on where additional progress and improvements can be made. Players like Christen Press and Sophia Smith are not only living up to the standard of their predecessors, but they remain inspirations for the Nation’s youth. Press, the MAC Hermann Trophy winner in 2010, was the first Black Female to win the college honor. The Angel City FC forward for the National Women’s Soccer League is the ninth leading goal scorer in USWNT history with 63 goals and has the most points of any Black player.

Along with a NWSL Championship and MVP award, young star Sophia Smith earned Women’s Soccer Player of the Year by U.S. Soccer in 2022. This would be the first time a black female name was etched on the trophy. Both Press and Smith are members of the Black Women’s Player Collective, a non-profit created by black players in the NWSL. The present game is as diverse as it’s ever been and a lot of this is in thanks to crusaders like Kim Crabbe, Sandi Gordon, and Briana Scurry. Highlighting these woman and telling their noteworthy stories during Black History Month is only right.