Historic Victory for the USDWNT
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, the United States women’s national soccer team for the deaf triumphed over Japan with a commanding 4-0 victory on Tuesday, securing their fifth gold medal at the Deaflympics and their eighth world title overall. This achievement cements their dominance in the sport, as the USDWNT has maintained an undefeated record since their establishment in 2005, boasting 44 wins and just one draw in competitive play.
Star Performers and Team Contributions
Star forward Emily Spreeman significantly contributed to the final scoreline, netting two goals which have brought her total career tally for the team to an impressive 50 goals across 30 international appearances. Notably, this championship was bittersweet for Spreeman, who, having been the last original member of the 2005 squad, announced it would be her last tournament with the team. Her retirement marks a significant shift for the squad.
In addition to Spreeman’s goals, teammates Holly Hunter and Erin Cembrale also found the back of the net, showcasing the depth of talent within the squad. The American team showcased their strength throughout the tournament, with a total of 35 goals scored by 11 different players, while remarkably keeping a clean sheet and not conceding a single goal across four matches.
Conclusion of an Era
This gold-medal match also signified the conclusion of an era for the USDWNT, as it saw the departure of multiple long-serving players, including Spreeman, Sydney Andrews, and Kate Ward. The coaching duo of head coach Amy Griffin and assistant Joy Fawcett also took their final bow after nearly a decade, during which they amassed a record of 23 victories and just one draw, along with two Deaflympics golds and two Deaf World Cups.
Griffin and Fawcett, who originally faced challenges in mastering American Sign Language, reflected on their experiences with the team, emphasizing the profound impact the players had on their lives.
“The players have supported and taught us in ways we never expected,”
Griffin expressed before the tournament, highlighting the bonds formed.
“Being part of this team has been one of the greatest gifts of my career.”
U.S. Men’s Team Performance
On a related note, the U.S. men’s deaf national team competed at the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics but fell short of a medal, finishing fourth after a narrow 1-0 defeat to France in the bronze-medal match.
