LINDA GANCITANO

Linda Gancitano was a trailblazing defender on the first-ever U.S. Women's National Team, known for her grit, vision, and leadership. She was the first girl to play on the boys' soccer team at Coral Springs High School, breaking barriers before she even reached college. At the University of Central Florida, she earned Defensive MVP honors at the inaugural 1982 NCAA Women's Soccer Championship and was named to the All-Tournament Team.

In 1985, she was named MVP of the Olympic Sports Festival in Baton Rouge—a key milestone which led to her selection for the founding U.S. Women's National Team that competed in the Mundialito tournament in Italy, the team's international debut.

"I was the first sub in US history — I know why. I played that hard, physical style. I went in and made sure you weren't dictating anything," says Gancitano, whose no-nonsense approach helped establish the identity of American women's soccer from its very beginning.