Dedication Of An Athlete

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Dedication of an Athlete ~Mia Hamm~ Many people have the dream to become something, something better, but little have the heart and dedication to turn their dream into reality. I would like to analyze the triumphs and downfalls of the life of a woman who broke an athletic barrier, Mia Hamm. I want to share with you her honor and awards and the dedication she possesses to get her so far.

Mia was born Mariel Margaret Hamm on March 17, 1972 in Selma, Alabama to Stephanie and Colonel William (Bill) Hamm. She has five other siblings. Mia grew up as what they call a "military brat", she was specifically an Air Force brat. She spent her early childhood in many different bases throughout the world including California, Texas, Virginia and Italy. Her father watched soccer while in Italy and instantly fell in love with the sport. He urged her to play, but she played whatever her siblings played especially her older brothers.

She got her competitive edge at an early edge. She remembers as child, quitting many games because she hated to lose. "She had the idea that if you quit before the game was over it's not actually losing." (Women's Soccer World, www.womensoccer.com) 2 Although she still hates to lose, she has lost that "quit or lose" attitude. She knows there is a lot more to the game, and winning comes along with losing. In fact sometimes you learn the most, about your skills, what needs improvement, and about your team as whole when you lose.

Mia began playing the sport of soccer at age seven, after much persuasion of her father, and she has continued to play ever since. When she was 14 she was so good she dominated girl soccer in Texas and attracted the attention of...