The date was pushed back for the naming of the young women who best exemplify the spirit of SheBelieves, now the decision makers are known. These 4 are powerhouses from the USWNT and they will come up with the last 5 for consideration. Nicole Barnhart, CIndy Parlow-Cone, Heather O'Reilly & Lindsay Tarpley. The contest now ends Feb. 17, the fans deciding who, receives out of those final 5 will decide based on who is a leader in their community, a confident and passionate person who empowers others around them and works to make a positive difference in the world. The winner receives a trip for 2 to the USWNT SheBelieves Cup game at RBA on Mar. 8 v Spain.
The 5 stars of the 5 star Selection Committee:
Nichoe Barnhart: Out of PA, twice a Gold Medal winer over her decade with the USWNT. Her first cap came as an outfield player, the next 53 in goal, her time as a forward was due to the team runing out of subs during the final game of the 2004 Fan Celebrations Tour. Today, still a top GK in the NWSL, she is now with the Royals and heads Nicole Barnhart Goalkeeping.
Cindy Parlow-Cone: Now the VP of US Soccer as she took office unopposed after the election of Carlos Cordiero in Miami. 2018 she received the high honor of election into the National Soccer Hall of Fame due to her time as a player and coach. Her stellar time started with her time as a forward on the USWNT 1996-2004. Next up he took titles at the entry level, collegiate game and in the pros. Over the last 2 decades, she was on the US Soccer Referee Committee, Medical Advisory Committe, Appeals Committee & the Athletes' Council, lastly on the US Soccer Youth Task Force.
Heather O'Reilly: She ranks among the USWNT legends, with it from 2002-'16, starting in High School. Just shy of 1.5 decades with the best team on the globe, she had 231 games with 47 goals and 55 assists. A trio of Olympic Golds, 2004,'08 & '12 and oh yes a World Cup in 2015. Back frm England, she is now with her 2nd pro league in the states, playing for Long Island Legend Paul Riley with the NWSL Champs, NC Courage. She moonlighted over the summer as a studio analyst for the FOX Sports' during this most recent iteration of the World Cup, another held by the USWNT.
Lindsay Tarpley: Very dramatic goals were her calling card as a player, even with the USYNT's from U 14-19, and her "Golden Goal" taking the first 2002 FIFA U-19 Women's World Cup, the first of any FIFA competion for that age group. She played 125 games with a great pace of 32 goals, 1 in the quarters of the 2008 Olympic Games. In 2004, she had a tally facing Brazil in the Olympic Finals in Greece, then onto the Gold. She is the Vice Chair of the US Soccer Athlete's Council.
This contest was the brain child of US Soccer & the USWNT players. SheBelieves was intiated to inspire and encourage girls and women of all ages to get to their goals, and wishes, on and off the athletic field, it began as a lead in to the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, now morphing into a unique bond with the team and fans. SheBelieves delivers the strong notion of empowerment while pushing self belief throughout communities nation wide.