The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team is one of the most dominant forces in sports history—World Cup champions, Olympic gold medalists, and cultural trailblazers. But behind the trophies is a far more complicated story of inequality, persistence, and transformation.
In The National Team, journalist Caitlin Murray delivers a definitive account of how these athletes built a powerhouse program while continually pushing back against low pay, poor conditions, and limited professional opportunities. Drawing on nearly one hundred interviews with players, coaches, and officials, she takes readers inside the locker rooms, boardrooms, and defining moments that shaped the team's trajectory.
From the team's formation in the 1980s through its rise to global dominance, Murray traces both the on-field triumphs and the off-field battles that redefined women's sports in the United States. The result is a narrative that captures not just a winning team, but a movement—one that forced lasting change in how women's athletics are seen, supported, and valued.
Widely reported yet rarely examined with this level of access, The National Team offers a clear-eyed, deeply reported look at the people behind the headlines. For sports readers, it delivers the full story of a modern dynasty; for general readers, it's a compelling portrait of collective determination, leadership, and the long fight for equity.
Praise
“The story of the USWNT is one of success, perseverance, and drama, on and off the field. Caitlin Murray takes us though it all. I gobbled up every page of this deep dive into the incredible history and culture that surrounds this team.”Alexi Lalas
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“I've always had tremendous respect for the Women's National Team but, after reading The National Team, that level of respect skyrocketed. This is a fantastic story about perseverance, overcoming obstacles and following your passion in life."Landon Donovan
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“Reading The National Team, I couldn’t help but laugh, cry, smile, and have an overall warm feeling. I enjoyed it so much I had to force myself to put it down because I didn’t want it to end. Caitlin Murray has done a wonderful job sharing the history, personal stories, and memories of the national team. Everyone who loves a great, original, genuine story will love this book.”Brandi Chastain
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"In The National Team, Caitlin Murray has told an inspiring tale of the long arc of the U.S. women's national team, shedding new light on all the major tournaments while revealing fascinating details on its decades-long fight for better treatment from the men who run soccer. I learned a lot of new things from this terrific book."author of Masters of Modern Soccer, Grant Wahl
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“The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team is one of the greatest collectives the United States has ever produced. For all its World Cups and Olympic Golds, it has never had a history worthy of its name. Caitlin Murray has put that right with this book. The National Team is the definitive telling of the team's journey, giving the reader a behind the scenes understanding of the dreams, elite skills, and enormous sacrifices that have brought success on the field, and the huge battle for equality still to be won off it.”Men in Blazers, Roger Bennett
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“A comprehensive account of the glory and strife that has accompanied the rise of the U.S. women’s national team, from the days of wearing men’s hand-me-down jerseys to gracing the covers of Time, Newsweek, People and Sports Illustrated. … This summer, it’s quite likely that the U.S. women will be the most popular athletes in America. The complexities of how they've gotten this far, as described so precisely by Murray, makes it all the more impressive.”Soccer America
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