Winning with a heart of gold
Star soccer forward and National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee Carin Jennings-Gabarra is more than just her accolades on the pitch. While she is known for being a part of the United States “Triple-Edged Sword” of attackers in its victory at the 1991 Women’s World Cup, it’s the time spent in her community that she cherishes the most.
Growing up with two older brothers who were “always playing sports” was the catalyst for Gabarra’s passion. She remembers falling in love with soccer in 1973, the very first time she played.
Back then, when girls were just getting the opportunity to play organized sport, it’s hard to fathom that Gabarra would go on to receive the first-ever Women’s World Cup Adidas Golden Ball Award as the best player at the 1991 FIFA Women’s World Cup or become an Olympic Gold Medalist.
In fact, it was at the Olympic Games in Atlanta that she realized how many athletes give back and “use the platform they have to be a voice for those who have no voice.” When she retired from the national team after the Olympic Games, she had 119 full international appearances and 56 goals, ranking her third of all time in caps and tied for third in goals.
Being an alumni of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, Gabarra has been surrounded by countless teammates and coaches who invest in their communities by giving back to those in need.
One such teammate is none other than AFH Founding Athlete Mia Hamm, who most recently was the inspriation and first recpient of the Athletes for Hope Inaugural Mia Hamm Founders Award at the 2023 Play for Good event. Gabarra celebrated with her teammate Mia and other USWNT Alumni at the event which aimed to raise funds for AFH’s programs.
Outside of the relationships she has bulit from her time playing professionally, Gabarra is giving back to the next generation of women’s soccer players through her love of coaching.
Her coaching career began in 1987 at Westmont College in Santa Barbara where she guided the Warriors to a 6-10-0 record as head coach. In 1988, Gabarra moved on to the Ivy League where she served as an assitant coach at Harvard.
In 1993 Gabarra arrived at Navy, building the Navy soccer program from the bottom level to, now, one of the Mid-Atlantic Region’s most competitive teams. Along with a long list of other coaching accolades, Gabarra joined an elite group of coaches when she won her 300th career game during the 2015 season, further staking her claim as the Patriot League’s all-time wins leader.
When looking towards the future of women and girls in soccer, Gabarra is passionate about leveling the playing field and making soccer an accessible and equitable sport for all.
“I want girls to follow their dreams, younger girls to play confidently and to feel like they’re accepted and that they’re athletes, not female athletes, and be able to compete and play at any level they choose.”
Despite her busy schedule, Gabarra says that community service must be a priority, noting that she has “truly loved each service project” she has been a part of. While she calims to have no favorites, she says she does have a passion for volunteering at soccer clinics within underserved communities.
For athletes who may be retired or just starting out on their philanthropy journey, Gabarra’s advice is simple.
“My advice to other athletes is to turn to organizations such as Athletes for Hope and utilize them to give back in various ways. There is always time to give back to the community. It must be a priority.”