“With my versatility and being one of the few Black women on the USWNT,” began Crystal Dunn, “What I would have loved to see happen earlier, which I still hope will happen, is to be recognized as a face of women’s soccer.” This is what the versatile Dunn had to say back in 2021 during an interview with Forbes. Beyond showcasing her goal-scoring or defending prowess on the pitch, the biggest mantle she has taken over the years is being one of the advocates for Black women in sports. Fast forward to today; has that changed even the slightest bit for her?

A lot, to be precise. Compared to the days she kick-started her career, a lot has changed for the good concerning players of color. We can see how the modern game has powerfully attracted the massive diversity shift, with the typical stereotypes also ending. Their increased presence has not only elevated the game but also showcased a major shift in the landscape. And who else would be proud of it than Dunn?

“It’s almost like a proud auntie,” began Dunn, while speaking on the Women’s Game podcast. “When I first joined the team, there weren’t many people that looked like me. So I kind of had to get my footing in an environment that was like I don’t really have someone to lean on in times where I may feel isolated or alone in certain instances.”

There was a time when Dunn was the only Black girl on her youth team for a long time until she was 15. During that period, the forward faced various challenges while learning about her identity. Today, things are quite different. Players like Naomi Girma, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and sisters Gisele and Allysa Thompson are proudly representing their race, making strides in the game every day.

And it’s not like the ordinary stuff one may think about. Girma recently became the most-expensive transfer in the history of women’s game after Chelsea signed her from San Diego Waves for $1 million. The Triple Espresso need no introduction, who were simply brilliant in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Dunn represents herself at the highest domestic level, having joined PSG. Meanwhile, both sisters Gisele and Allysa are making quite an impact together as teammates at both Angel City and USWNT.

And nothing makes Crystal more happy than seeing this paradigm shift. “Looking around the team now, seeing how diverse we are is incredible. It brings a tear to my eye because I know how long it’s taken and I know how hard it has been for so many of us to feel like we are seen properly in this sport. It’s so incredible and I’m excited for our future because it is extremely bright,” concluded the 32-year-old.

Even the podcast host and USWNT icon Sam Mewis was star-struck by her former national teammate’s words. The former midfielder declared that Dunn was one of the players who helped her open her eyes and recognize the way African-American players were being talked about. Mewis even praised the former Gotham FC star for “leading the way for all younger players.”

Either way, this was quite a heartfelt revelation from Dunn. Clearly, we can sense what it means for the versatile superstar to have such a diverse crowd in the beautiful game. You will too, especially after hearing the remarkable transition.

Crystal Dunn is right – Players of color on the rise

Would you like to see how much more pigment inclusive soccer has become, especially in the US? Remember the iconic goalie Briana Scurry, one of the first visible Black players in the USWNT? She played a crucial role in the team’s 1999 Women’s World Cup victory, let alone also being the only Black player on a roster that marked the beginning of a new era in women’s sports.

Even within this last decade, things have changed a lot. At the 2012 London Olympics, only two Black players were included in the USWNT’s 18-player roster, along with one alternate. That number increased to three at the 2016 Rio Games, all of whom made it to the main squad. In 2021, the U.S. secured a bronze medal with three Black players in the 18-player roster and another three as alternates.

The recent 2024 edition made it clear that Black women are taking over global women’s soccer. That’s because eight players were featured. This literally matches the total from the last three tournaments combined—plus one alternate. Midfielder Croix Bethune, who was later activated and came off the bench, also earned a gold medal alongside Girma, Smith, Rodman, Swanson, Dunn, Casey Krueger, Jaedyn Shaw, and Lynn Williams.

Indeed, there has been a revolutionary shift in the soccer landscape of the US that no longer discriminates players in the women’s game. All this has been made possible with the determination of figures like Crystal Dunn.