Carson Pickett Makes History as First Player with Limb Difference to Play for USWNT: 'Dream Come True'

Mar. 15, 2025

Soccer player Carson Pickett made history on Tuesday when she became the first athlete with a limb difference to compete for theU.S. Women’s National Team(USWNT).

Pickett, 28, was born without a left hand and forearm,according to ESPN.

The United States women’s teamdefeated Colombia 2-0in Pickett’s first match, with the help of her defense.

USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski, said, “Carson did very well in training for us in the last week 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,” perESPN.

In April, Pickettopened up to her 63,000 Instagramfollowers for Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness month.

“April is a month that is near and dear to my heart,” Pickett wrote. “April is limb loss and limb difference awareness month.”

Carson Pickett, USWNT.Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty

Pickett continued, “While I know that I am confident and comfortable with showing my arm, I know there are so many people in the world who aren’t.”

The U.S. soccer star added, “I hope to encourage anyone who struggles with their limb difference to not be ashamed of who they are. I want to be an advocate for others like me, and for the longest time I didn’t use my platform well enough.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“Let’s all try to love ourselves no matter what we look like and let’s all be kind to each other above all else. Different people are my kind of people. The world needs more of that,” she wrote.

The USWNT will compete again on July 4 vs. Haiti.

source: people.com