Brandi Chastain '91 Making Headlines

Santa Clara University graduate Brandi Chastain ‘91 is making headlines once again and we’re proud to call her a Bronco! Chastain, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time Women’s World Cup champion, has recently been named a first-time candidate for the U.S. National Soccer Hall of Fame.

“I am humbled, honored and grateful for the nomination for U.S. Soccer's Hall of Fame,” said Chastain. "I have been extremely fortunate to have played for, and with, the best our country has to offer in the soccer world and know that representing the red, white and blue was an amazing responsibility and privilege.”

Chastain converted the penalty kick during a shootout that won the 1999 Women's World Cup and famously pulled off her jersey to reveal her sports bra as she celebrated. She was a defender and midfielder who scored 30 goals in 192 international appearances from 1988-2004. Chastain graduated from Santa Clara University in 1991.

“Upon completion of my national team career it was immediately apparent to me that the gift I’ve been has been special. Therefore, in the true Jesuit spirit I was surrounded by at Santa Clara University, I felt that the only way to be complete was to give back to the community,” said Chastain. “I have been a volunteer at SCU for many years and now look to become a coach within U.S. Soccer on behalf of our aspiring young national team players.”

Chastain recently made other headlines in the New York Times, CNN.com, and many other outlets when she announced that she would be donating her brain for concussion research. Chastain has also been named one of the 30 Most Influential Women in College Sports.