The Orange cheer for the 2007 National Soccer Hall of Fame Class, which included Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy.
Orange Participate In Hall Of Fame Festivities
8/26/2007 5:10:11 PM | Women's Soccer
ONEONTA, N.Y. – Hall of famer Mia Hamm told a record-setting crowd at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta, N.Y. that she always played for the fans. Prior to the induction ceremony, the Syracuse women’s soccer team played for Hamm as it took on Army in a scrimmage to begin Sunday’s festivities.
"I thought it was a good opportunity for the student-athletes to get in a special circumstance not just a regular season scrimmage," said head coach Patrick Farmer. "There’s a ceremony and hall of famers coming up to the bench so I thought that was a really good environment for our team to be in – they may never get to do it again. I thought it went perfectly from our point of view. "
After the 1-0 defeat by Army, the Orange was on hand for the enshrinement of Hamm, Julie Foudy, Alan Rothenberg and Bobby Smith. Farmer believes the message of the inductees’ speeches will improve the team.
"I thought the speeches were spot on to their personalities," Farmer said. "I’m really happy our student-athletes got to listen to how passionate they are about what they’re doing and how much they’ve invested in it."
Hamm and Foudy were honored for their on and off the field achievements and credited for the development of women’s sports – especially soccer.
"Growing up I always look to them as role models," said senior Jen Taormina. "They definitely paved the way for women’s soccer at such a young age that it’s motivating and it gives soccer fans something to be passionate about."
Hamm and Foudy showcased their skills by participating in the Hall of Fame Game between the Washington Freedom and the SoccerPlus Connecticut Reds. Hamm played for Washington and Foudy played for Connecticut.
"Being at the hall of the fame, seeing them inducted and watching them play is very motivational for our season," said junior Sarah VanSickle. "It’s great to experience this part of soccer history."
The Orange open up season play Friday, August 31 at Oakland. Then Sunday, September 2 they face Michigan State before the home-opener Friday, September 7 against Fairleigh Dickenson.
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