History

In the summer of 1999, my family and I watched the Women's World Cup religiously. My daughter had turned 6 years old in March, and my son had just turned 4. They knew the names of every player on the U.S. team with the same zeal that I had while watching my beloved Red Sox when I was their age. The final game was electric, and when Brandi Chastain scored the last penalty kick against China, we cheered as we had never cheered before.

I have watched a lot of sports over the years, but something about that particular moment was different. It was not a cathartic experience like when the Sox finally won in 2004, or when the U.S. men's hockey team beat the Soviets in 1984. It went deeper. Indeed, sharing the highs and lows of the tournament with my family had been special. The poignancy of it all, however, was unquestionably amplified by the fact that it was the women's team. My children would forever remember where they were and what they were doing while celebrating women competing at the highest level. Their first opportunity to witness something that special (along with nearly a billion worldwide viewers) would make it impossible to dismiss accomplishments of women athletically or otherwise.

Last week, we celebrated Poly's girls soccer teams from 1991 through 1994 for winning four consecutive CIF titles. With their parents and former coaches, we heard stories (not all printable!) about a complete transformation of girls soccer program at Poly. The swagger and fierce loyalty that comes with great teams were still very much alive, and the banter flew as if 25 years had barely interrupted where they had left off. It was also clear that they never gave up on each other and that, together, they had demanded excellence each time they stepped on the pitch. It was a memorable evening.

Over the last 20 years as a family, we have celebrated victories and experienced the stillness that comes with defeat many times. We have also never forgotten what happened on that glorious afternoon at the Rose Bowl in 1999. Memories are like that — they shape our perception of what is possible and remind us of the importance of dreaming boldly.

JWB