As I watched those young soccer players with their ponytails flying, I couldn't help but think about the fight for Title IX -- and how it has taught a new generation of girls, from the time they enter grammar school, that they have every right to their own playing field in whatever sport they choose.
As with any civil rights battle, credit is also due to those pioneers who embodied the promise of Title IX by fighting for -- and earning -- their place in sports history.
"Many little girls grow up with the dream of playing sports," she added, "but that dream can't just take place every four years. And though it's great that the whole country was excited about the World Cup, we need to encourage people to support Women's Professional Soccer all year long. That's how to make these girls' dreams come true. But I'm very encouraged. Sports are a microcosm of society, and women are taking the lead in every field."
To all the women on the American Women's World Cup team, congratulations. Final score notwithstanding, you have won big.
