With the Women’s World Cup starting up in a few days, we flashback to this piece
When Mallory Pugh was named to the United States Women’s National Team Rio Olympic squad she became the second youngest Olympian in U.S. women’s soccer history. When the USA opens the Olympics on Aug. 3rd, Pugh will be about a month older than Cindy Parlow was at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
Mallory Pugh will be 18 years, 3 months and 5 days old while Cindy Parlow was 18 years, 2 months and 13 days old when the 1996 Olympics began.
USWNT 2023 Group Stage Schedule
All times CST
Vietnam Fri. July 21, 8pm
Netherlands Wed. July 26, 8pm
Portugal Tue. Aug 1, 2am
If Pugh scores during the Olympics, she would be the youngest U.S. player to score in the competition as Parlow did not find the net in 1996. Pugh brings a great combination of skill and mental toughness. Her assist stats convey her passing ability. She’s also developed great chemistry with fellow newcomer Crystal Dunn, and the duo provide a glimpse into what the future is going to be for both this team and the program.
“I don’t think of Mal in terms of age, because she has ice running through her veins,” said USWNT Coach Jill Ellis on the eve of the Olympic squad selection.”
“She came in in January, for the first time and there was some anxiety there, but now you see her, she feels comfortable off the field, and that’s important too.”
“Off the field she’s well blended in, respected in the group, and of course her performances- she doesn’t play like like a young player, and she’s special, and we’ve known that,” Ellis continued.
“The beauty of this year is that she’s been able to play in big games: Germany, France, England, Japan in the cooker to prep her.”
Ellis did a media call after the announcement of the team, and during the session she repeated the “ice in her veins” cliche from the previous Saturday. While the phrase might be trite, it certainly applies to Pugh though. Her ability to remain resolute in high pressure situations and display experience beyond her years is why she’s moved up the ranks so fast and become a really big deal at a very young age.
USWNT 2023 World Cup Player Profile Series
Kelley O’Hara Kelley O’Hara Part 2 Julie Ertz Mallory Swanson Alex Morgan Alex Morgan Part 2 Megan Rapinoe
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now. Follow the website on Twitter and Instagram.