"I've never scored a goal without getting a pass from someone else." -- Abby Wambach
Taylor Swift serenaded the U.S. women's national team after its first World Cup win since 1999. On the stage at Met Life Stadium, Alex Morgan, Meghan Klingenberg and their teammates wore smiles that hadn't faded in days, while Swift, in a glittery jumpsuit, held the World Cup trophy up for a roaring crowd and belted out "Style."
Days earlier, 20 million viewers watched as Carli Lloyd's insane hat trick helped the U.S. romp Japan, 5-2, in the World Cup final -- the most-watched soccer match in U.S. history. (And the bookend to Abby Wambach's illustrious career, which includes two Olympic gold medals, a FIFA player of the year title and the distinction of being the national team's all-time high scorer.)
From the final, the team was feted all over social media and in a ticker-tape parade down the Canyon of Heroes in New York City, the first time a women's team has ever had that honor.
A victory tour followed, with plenty of stops for signatures and celebrations, including a stop at the White House, where President Obama proclaimed, "Playing like a girl means you're a badass."
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The IMPACT25 is espnW's annual list of the 25 athletes and influencers who have made the greatest impact for women in sports. Explore the 2015 list at espnW.com/IMPACT25.