The story inside of how the USWNT has become the most dominant force in women's football

Hamm became a star, in part because of the significant advertising rotation ahead of the World Cup, including the one in which she appeared alongside Michael Jordan. Hamm and her teammates also played together in Nike commercials, and the USWNT became the first female sports team to grab the country's attention.

The ensuing World Cup marked the American sports landscape indelibly. The tournament drew a record audience – on television and in the stands – to watch Brandi Chastain's spectacular kickoff and see China on penalties. Suddenly, a country that still had to embrace football or women's sport in general, became a believer. Relatable, dedicated to his craft and, perhaps most importantly, to the winners, the public jumped aboard.

And while the USWNT is gearing up for the 2019 Women's World Cup in June, the influence of these pioneers is evident. USWNT players are now full-time professionals, thanks to numerous campaigns and confrontations for fair wages. Many of them are now known. Alex Morgan, who has scored goals at one of the fastest rates since Mia Hamm, has earned millions by signing only approval contracts. She has her own line of books, starred in a movie, and also appears in high-rotation Nike commercials. And unlike Hamm for her generation, Morgan is anything but an anomaly.

But most importantly, the success of USWNT is based on the ever-dit-die culture that was grown in the early days. Coaches and players have succeeded each other over the years, but the relentless tenacity of the USWNT has remained constant.

Among the most emblematic moments of women's football, Americans resist against seemingly insurmountable obstacles. In 2011, when a controversial red card left them a woman against Brazil, the tying goal of Abby Wambach in the 122nd minute – the last goal in World Cup history – propelled the United States to the final . The following year, Alex Morgan scored the last goal in Olympic history after coming back on three different occasions to overthrow Canada in a spectacular 4-3 win.