Historic Debut for Lo’eau LaBonta
Lo’eau LaBonta has etched her name in the annals of the United States women’s national soccer team by becoming its oldest debutante in 40 years. The 32-year-old midfielder made her mark during a friendly against China, stepping onto the field in the 70th minute as part of a commanding 3-0 victory on Saturday. LaBonta logged her debut at 32 years and 74 days old, boasting a solid professional career in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) spanning over ten years, yet it took until earlier this month for her first call-up to the USWNT.
LaBonta’s Reflection and Journey
Upon making her debut, LaBonta reflected on her journey, stating to TBS,
“You have to have a short-term memory, whether it’s wins or losses. You let it sink in when there’s a loss, but you learn from it, and you move on. That’s what I’ve done with every obstacle in my life.”
Known for her lighthearted personality, she mentioned that despite her always cheerful demeanor in the locker room, she remains focused and hard-working, which she believes caught the attention of USWNT head coach Emma Hayes, affectionately referred to as ‘Momma Em’.
Record-Breaking Achievement
Before LaBonta’s historic appearance, the record for the oldest USWNT debut was held by McCall Zerboni, who made her first appearance just shy of her 31st birthday back in 2017. LaBonta serves as the captain for the Kansas City Current, leading the team within the NWSL and contributing significantly to their stellar offensive performance this season, where she has netted three goals in just ten matches. The Current made headlines last year by shattering the league record with a remarkable 57 goals.
Coach’s Recognition and Future Prospects
Coach Hayes acknowledged LaBonta’s determination and consistent high-level play, saying,
“I watch every game, and she was a player who didn’t give up on herself… Her maturity and confidence were evident today, and I believe her experience will be integral moving forward.”
Last week, Hayes admitted deliberation over whether to select LaBonta as an alternate for the previous Olympic games as the team prepared for international competitions. Impressively, LaBonta completed all ten of her passes during her debut, as reported by ESPN Research.
A Long Path to the National Team
LaBonta’s path to the national team has been a long one, having been part of U.S. youth national teams since 2007 but finally reaching the senior team this month. Notably, she is only the second player of Hawaiian descent to earn a spot on the USWNT, following in the footsteps of Natasha Kai, a 2008 Olympic gold medalist. LaBonta fondly recalled her childhood memories of being a ball girl for a USWNT match where Kai played and receiving an autographed cleat from her.
She expressed to ESPN’s Futbol W,
“It’s a dream come true. It’s always been my dream to play for the U.S. women’s national team, and after over two decades of wishing for this moment, it feels surreal to finally get the call.”
Inspiration for Tomorrow’s Players
With her determination and skill, LaBonta not only makes history but also sets an inspiring example for aspiring players across the nation, proving that persistence in the face of challenges can lead to remarkable achievements.
