The USWNT touched down in Utah this week to prepare for their summer match schedule to qualify for the 2023 World Cup. They played Colombia, winning 2-0. It’s always good to hear and see the USWNT continue to win matches, but the inspiring news surrounds USWNT player Carson Pickett.

Pickett made history by being the first athlete with a limb difference to play for the national team. She was born without a left hand or forearm, but she has not let this stop her from pursuing soccer. Pickett played the whole 90 minutes in Utah against Colombia, and at 28 years old, she is the oldest woman to make her national team debut since 2017.

“Carson did very well in training for us last week,” said U.S. Coach Vlatko Andonovski. “And with the management of minutes for Emily Fox that we had, we felt like Carson would be a good replacement, and I’m happy that she was able to perform well for 90 minutes.”

Pickett has used her limb difference to benefit others with similar differences by pairing up with Nike to create cleats that do not require being tied with laces. Instead, these cleats can simply slip on the foot. Pickett has also been playing in the NWSL for the North Carolina Courage and previously for Orlando Pride making herself known in women’s soccer.

The match against Colombia was the final one before the CONCACAF Championship, which will be held in Mexico. This tournament will determine who will qualify for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, which is taking place in Australia and New Zealand, and the 2024 Olympics taking place in Paris, France. Unfortunately, Pickett is not on the CONCACAF roster due to the limited number of players allowed, but there’s no doubt she’ll keep pushing to get a permanent spot on
the roster.

We are looking forward to seeing how Pickett will continue to break barriers and inspire those with and without differences.