“Look Up to Those Women”- USWNT Superstar Mallory Swanson Draws Inspiration From ‘Super Special’ Serena Williams to Influence Young Wonderkids

USWNT superstar Mallory Swanson started 2023 with a bang. The 24-year-old was phenomenal in the She Believes Cup earlier this year. She raked up four goals in the three appearances for USWNT, helping them win the trophy. They also named Swanson the MVP of the tournament. 

However, the Chicago Red Stars forward, who got inspired by Serena Williams and Mia Hamm in her youth days, suffered a horrific injury recently. While playing for USWNT in the recent friendly against the Republic of Ireland, Swanson injured the tendons of her patella, which will keep her out for an indefinite period. Recently, Swanson shared how she wishes to inspire upcoming athletes.

Mallory Swanson wants to be an inspiration

Swanson has already earned 88 caps for USWNT at 24. She made her debut at 17 in January 2016. She hasn’t looked back since and is helping the USWNT with her goals. The 2019 FIFA World Cup winner admires the role of Serena Williams and Mia Hamm in her development in the youth stage. She wants to emulate the same to inspire budding athletes. 

Swanson, while speaking to the PEOPLE, said, “I think the way they carried themselves and the way they obviously dominated their sport, too,” was “super special for” a young Swanson. They showed me that you can do both things.” “I feel like I’m fortunate enough to be able to look up to those women, and I’m hoping that I’m able to do that for young girls,” Swanson added.

The USWNT star can now fulfill her wish to inspire the upcoming athletes. She has partnered with Cracker Jill and the Women’s Sports Foundation. They will fund nine upcoming athletes with $5,000 to fulfill their future needs to grow in the sport they love. Swanson feels it’s a significant opportunity to connect with the fans and the young athletes and help them achieve. 

Will Swanson miss the FIFA World Cup?

USWNT played Ireland on Sunday in the first friendly in this international break. It was the last break before the World Cup and was crucial in preparation for the tournament. USWNT went into the game with full strength. However, in the first half of the game, everyone was left in shock when Swanson suffered an injury. 

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The forward tore her patella tendons and had to be stretchered off in pain. She underwent a successful surgery recently and will now start rehabilitation. Swanson will miss the World Cup with the injury, giving a headache to the coach Vlatko Andonovski for her replacement. 

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Who do you think should replace Mallory Swanson in the starting XI?