DENISE BENDER

Denise Bender captained the first U.S. Women’s National Team in 1985, setting the tone for the program’s culture and competitive spirit from the very beginning. A versatile and dependable player, Bender was a standout at both Washington State University and the University of Washington before leading FC Löwenbräu to three national club championships. 

Her leadership extended beyond the field, helping unite a roster of players who had never competed together before into a cohesive unit that earned respect on the international stage. In 2006, she was inducted into the Washington State Soccer Association Hall of Fame in recognition of her trailblazing contributions to the sport. 

 “We didn’t even know each other—half the team we’d never played with before. But there was instant respect. Everyone was just like: let’s do this,” says Bender.