College Relations
Mia Hamm a big hit with young fans
CONTACT --- Jim Glynn at 978-542-7519 or james.glynn@salemstate.edu
SALEM, Mass. - After a candid on-stage conversation with radio personality Dale Arnold Sunday afternoon, soccer star Mia Hamm thrilled the crowd of 2,500 at Salem State's O'Keefe Sports Center by mingling with her young fans and signing autographs.
Star of the United States Women's National team, Hamm told the audience, made up mostly of young female soccer players, that it was her love of the game that has led to her success. "I know of a lot of players with great skills," she said. "But you have to have more than that. You have to really want to win. I always hated to lose, and that's what drove me to make myself the best I could be."
Hamm's words appeared to be inspirational as the young crowd listened intently. She became emotional while talking about her brother Garrett who died in 1997 from a rare form of bone marrow disease. One young member of the audience walked from her seat and handed the soccer legend a small box of tissues. "Oh, thank you," Hamm said.
Before the end of the on-stage conversation, Arnold turned the question-asking duties over to the audience. One young fan asked, "Who's your favorite Red Sox player?"
Hamm, who has been seen with Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra, smiled. After a slight pause Hamm answered, "Probably the same as yours." She then quipped, "You just had to push it, huh?"
The Hamm-Arnold lecture was part of a special presentation of the Salem State College Series. The Series concludes the current season when financial advisors The Motley Fool visit the College at 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 30. Tickets are available by calling 978-542-7555 or on the Web at www.salemstate.edu/series
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