The Legacy of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team: Celebrating 40 Years
On August 18, 1985, the U.S. women’s national soccer team made its debut at the Mundalito tournament in Jesolo, Italy. This initial squad, affectionately dubbed the “85ers,” consisted of 17 college athletes who had trained together for only three days. Their preparedness was so limited that they painstakingly sewed “USA” letters onto oversized men’s jerseys the night before their flight.
Origins of an Underdog Team
Michelle Akers, an original member and renowned player, shared her experiences with The Athletic, stating, “There were no expectations for that first U.S. women’s national team because there was no precedent. There was no history, no legacy. We didn’t know what to expect.” Akers recalls the team receiving cleats and a modest per diem of $10 per day, with sewing patches on jerseys being a common experience from their playing days.
A New Jersey to Honor the Pioneers
Fast forward to 40 years later, the 85ers are reclaiming their narrative with the introduction of a jersey that they co-designed, symbolizing their journey and contributions to women’s soccer. This initiative is part of the formation of The 85ers LLC, a business model developed to empower the original team members and curate their legacy.
In collaboration with Jaymee Messler of Player’s Tribune and Scott Keeney, founder of The Realest—an authentication platform for collectibles—the group is launching a memorabilia collection, including the new jersey. Keeney noted, “We designed something modernized but true to the colors and style of that first game in 1985.”
Recognition and Legacy
Initially overlooked, the team has gained recognition in recent years, marked notably by their 2023 reunion in Asheville, North Carolina, and a subsequent celebration in Kansas City in 2024. Akers expressed her sentiments about the new jerseys, stating, “To have these jerseys now available for us with our names on them, created by us for us, is really special.” This milestone not only reflects on the legacy they built but also aims to inspire future generations.
Future Goals for the 85ers
The Realest has established a unique partnership with The 85ers that allows these trailblazers to monetize their own story—a significant step in honoring their impact on the sport. The collection will be available on the 85ers’ website, aiming to offer fans a chance to connect with history through various memorabilia, including trading cards and apparel.
As they continue to celebrate their journey, the 85ers are not only preserving their history but also paving the way for the future of women’s soccer, ensuring that the efforts of 1985 are never forgotten.
(Top photo: The Realest)
