The USWNT’s equal pay deal was front and center at the National Soccer Hall of Fame induction ceremony Saturday, where Shannon Boxx, Christie Pearce Rampone and Linda Hamilton were all celebrated.
The event comes after U.S. Soccer announced a new collective bargaining agreement Wednesday, achieving equal pay for the men’s and women’s teams.
"When we won the World Cup in 1991, we made $15 a day."
— National Soccer HOF (@soccerhof) May 21, 2022
Linda Hamilton reflects on how much the game has grown. #NSHOF22 pic.twitter.com/hMvacwkoE5
“As the women’s national team, we have always known we have a greater responsibility than just winning games. The newest contract is a testament to the work the past and the present players have done off the field,” Boxx said. “As a Black athlete, I also felt the responsibility to every young Black girl and boy who’s sitting in the stands or watching on TV.”
Boxx, a star USWNT midfielder, scored 27 goals in 195 international appearances from 2003-to 2015.
Hamilton, a member of the 1991 Women’s World Cup championship team, made 71 international appearances from 1987-to 1995.
Rampone, who anchored the USWNT for 19 years, has three Olympic gold medals and two World Cup titles to her name. The iconic defender was voted into the Hall of Fame last year but delayed her induction due to the reckoning across the NWSL last season.
“I can truly say I was surrounded by powerful women who knew that we had to make the sacrifices in order to gain greater opportunity for the future generations,” Rampone said. “To see growth of the team over the years and the opportunities that are available for the younger generation is genuinely one of the most fulfilling parts of the journey.”
USWNT goalkeeper Hope Solo was voted into this year’s Hall of Fame as well but postponed her induction to attend an in-patient treatment program following her March arrest and DWI charge.
Christie Pearce Rampone is deferring her National Soccer Hall of Fame induction until 2022.
The retired U.S. women’s national team defender announced her decision on Saturday night amid NWSL turmoil and abuse allegations. The North Carolina Courage fired Paul Riley on Thursday after former NWSL players accused him of sexual coercion and emotional abuse in a report by The Athletic. Lisa Baird resigned as NWSL commissioner on Friday amid the fallout.
“After digesting everything that has transpired over the last several days, I have made the heartfelt decision to defer my induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame until next year when we can all properly celebrate women’s soccer,” Rampone said.
Legendary USWNT defender & 2021 National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee Christie Pearce Rampone has chosen to defer her induction until 2022. The NSHOF fully supports Christie’s decision & looks forward to honoring her & her historic achievements at next year’s induction ceremony. pic.twitter.com/v1xw5GgLJ7
— National Soccer HOF (@soccerhof) October 2, 2021
Rampone was named to the Soccer Hall of Fame in June, with former teammate Abby Wambach notifying her of the honor.
The legendary defender earned 311 international caps, two World Cup titles and three Olympic gold medals during her 19-year tenure with the USWNT.
Christie Pearce Rampone has been elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
The U.S. Women’s National Team icon was surprised with the honor by former teammate Abby Wambach.
“There’s nobody else that deserves it more“- @AbbyWambach
— National Soccer HOF (@soccerhof) June 9, 2021
Congratulations Christie, you’re going to be a Hall of Famer.
From one @USWNT Legend to another, Abby Wambach('19) was there to surprise @christierampone with the moment. #NSHOF21 pic.twitter.com/EHovXWgR9z
Rampone boasts the second-most USWNT caps with 311 international matches, starting in 272 of those appearances. The legendary defender acquired two World Cup titles and three Olympic gold medals in her 19 years with the national team.
Rampone will be inducted into the Soccer Hall of Fame on Oct. 2 in Frisco, TX.