In Person Weekend: Honoring the Original US Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) (1985ers)

For the first time in 38 years, the original members of the US Women’s National Soccer Team got back together for a weekend of celebration and long-overdue acknowledgement. Spearheaded by Stacey Enos, the weekend included a tour of the city, meals, autograph signing at Asheville City SC. Flame Bearers. Flame Bearers was on the ground conducting video and podcast interviews for upcoming podcast and video series co-hosted with Michelle Akers. As we approach the Women’s World Cup, Flame Bearers wanted to honor the founders of the USWNT by telling their stories, for the first time ever. According to ’85er and FIFA Player of the Century, Akers, “Incredibly, this team and its 38-year legacy of unprecedented world domination all began with 17 badass women in 1985 as the first-ever USWNT,” Akers shares. “That first team set the stage for the greatness and warrior mentality of the American game today, and yet their story is largely unknown. This event is part of changing that. It’s always an honor to wear the USWNT jersey, but for this inaugural event and as the first-ever USWNT, it is truly special.” According to Enos, ’85er, “We are part of this history, and we have a story that has never been told.”

Reflecting on a trip of life: a weekend celebrating the ‘85ers, the first US Women’s National team players