OK. We’re excited. Definitely excited. In fact, we’re excited enough to rip off our shirts, bare our sports bras, and drop to our knees.
In other words, Brandi Chastain excited.
Why? Because Netflix announced this week that they are developing a film about the legendary U.S. women’s national team that won the World Cup. The “99ers,” as the team has become known, included stars Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy, Kristine Lilly, Michelle Akers, and current U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone, along with Chastain. Together, they captured the hearts and minds of America — and the world — with their thrilling style of play, their dedication to teamwork, and their sense of sportsmanship.
It all climaxed with their victory over China in the final, which was decided by a shootout punctuated by Chastain’s winning penalty kick and famous celebration.
The event accelerated the growth of women’s soccer and sparked vital conversations about the importance of women’s sports.
And now it’s getting the film it deserves. (We hope.)
The film will be based on Jere Longman’s book The Girls of Summer: The US Women’s Soccer Team and How It Changed The World, which we highly recommend.