Briana Scurry

Briana Scurry is an American retired soccer goalkeeper, born on September 7, 1971, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is often considered one of the greatest female goalkeepers ever. Scurry began her professional career with the Atlanta Beat in the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) before becoming a cornerstone of the US Women's National Soccer Team, where she won two Olympic gold medals and the Women's World Cup.

Scurry is known for her exceptional agility, shot-stopping ability, and leadership on the pitch. She received numerous accolades during her career, including two Olympic gold medals, and holds several records, such as the most shutouts in World Cup history.

Off the field, Scurry is recognized for her advocacy work, particularly in relation to traumatic brain injuries and equality in women's sports, inspiring many worldwide.

Atlanta Beat (WUSA)

• Youth and Early Career: Scurry was born and raised in Minneapolis and began her soccer career at the youth level. She made her professional debut with the Atlanta Beat in 2001.

US Women's National Team

• Early Success: Scurry was a key player in the US Women's National Team from 1994 to 2008. During her time with the team, she won an Olympic gold medal in 1996 and the Women's World Cup in 1999. She also played a vital role in securing a second Olympic gold in 2004.

Washington Freedom (WPS)

• Later Career: In 2009, Scurry joined the Washington Freedom in the newly formed Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) league. She continued to display her exceptional skills before retiring in 2010.

US Women's National Team

• Debut: Made her debut for the US Women's National Team in 1994.

Achievements:

• Olympic Games: Gold medalist in 1996 and 2004.
• FIFA Women's World Cup: Winner in 1999.
• Scurry has the most shutouts in Women's World Cup history and is one of the most capped goalkeepers in US Women's National Team history.

• Position: Primarily a goalkeeper.
• Skills: Known for her agility, shot-stopping ability, penalty-saving prowess, and leadership on the pitch.

• Personal Life: After retirement, Scurry became an advocate for equality in women's sports and awareness about traumatic brain injuries, a condition she suffered during her career.
• Philanthropy: Scurry is involved in various charitable activities, particularly those involving youth sports and brain injury awareness.

• Briana Scurry is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her advocacy work and trailblazing role in women's soccer. Her impact on the sport and her status as an icon extend beyond the pitch, inspiring countless female athletes around the world.

Most Shutouts in Women's World Cup:

• 10 shutouts

Olympic Gold Medals:

• Gold medalist in 1996 and 2004

Women's World Cup:

• Winner in 1999

Most Capped US Women's National Team Goalkeeper:

• Over 170 caps

Books

• Longman, J. (2015) The Girls of Summer: The U.S. Women's Soccer Team and How It Changed the World. New York: HarperCollins.

Websites

• US Soccer: Information about Briana Scurry’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.ussoccer.com
• FIFA: Details about Scurry’s career at FIFA Women's World Cup. Available at: https://www.fifa.com

Articles

• ESPN: Briana Scurry: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.espn.com/soccer/blog/espn-women-s-soccer-report/93/post/2944857
• The Guardian: Briana Scurry’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football/briana-scurry

Interviews and Documentaries

• Dare to Dream (2005): Directed by Jonathan Hock. This documentary provides a detailed look at the US Women's National Soccer Team's rise to prominence, featuring interviews with key players, including Briana Scurry.