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Shannon Leigh Boxx

Shannon Leigh Boxx, born on June 29, 1977 in Fontana, California, is a United States soccer player. She played softball, volleyball and basketball as well as soccer in high school. She attended the University of Notre Dame and played on their 1995 NCAA championship team. Boxx became the first U.S. woman selected for the U.S. World Cup team despite having never played an international match. She was a member of the USA national team that won a gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics. She is the first US player to have scored a goal in each of her first three international games. She is also the younger sister of former Olympic Softball star Gillian Boxx.

Fun Facts:

Shannon’s favorite soccer player is Paul Scholes of Manchester United, and her favorite non-soccer athlete is Michael Jordan. “Boxxy” (as she is known on the field) likes banana pancakes for breakfast on game days, but her all-time favorite meal is still mom's chili.

Q& A

KO- You’ve had a very successful career at a young age. What advice could you give our GirlTalk readers about reaching their goals?

SB- Never give up. Continue to make small goals and big goals. One goal I always had was to play in the Olympics. There were times I really doubted it would come true, but I continued to work. Goals will only be achieved through hard work. It’s tough during the work but after you achieve your goal it is the greatest feeling in the world.

KO- What is the greatest sacrifice you’ve had to make to achieve your level of success?

SB- I think for me the greatest sacrifice would be time with my family and friends. I have missed some pretty important moments in their lives because of my commitment to soccer. They have never faulted me for it and have only shown their support which has allowed me to get where I am today.

KO- Taking home a bronze medal in the 2003 World Cup and winning a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens must have been amazing experiences! Did you find one to be more overwhelming than the other?

SB- The gold medal in the Olympics was the best soccer moment for me. I think playing through the World Cup I was just excited to be there and to be a part of it all. I wished we went all the way but at that time, I just couldn't believe I was even there. By the time the Olympics came the pressure, the excitement, and even the fear of losing were all there for me. It was such a fun experience, but I also remember when it was over and we had won I was so relieved.

KO- What was the first thing you ate after winning your Olympic gold medal?

SB- I don't even remember exactly. I just remember hanging out in the USA house after the game with all my family and I think my sister forced me to eat a couple appetizer-type foods.

KO- What music do you listen to while you’re practicing if any?

SB- Hip-Hop music. My favorite Hip-Hop artist to listen to right now when I work out is AKON.

KO- You played many sports in high school including softball, volleyball, basketball, AND soccer- how were you able to balance everything so well with your academic work load?

SB- I think playing so many sports and only having so much time in a day helped me focus. It made me organized as well because I knew I only had a certain time to get all my homework done. I also stayed up late some nights to finish studying for a test or a project.

KO- Your older sister, Gillian, is also an Olympic medalist having won a gold medal in softball in the 1996 Olympic Games. She must have been a great role model for a younger sister! Did you look up to her for guidance, not only in athletics but also for anything else a girl might go through growing up?

SB- Definitely in sports, I looked up to her. She has always been my one role model that I have tried to emulate. As I have gotten older I still find myself looking up to her in more than just sports. She is now a successful firefighter. I hope to be as successful in my next job as she is now in hers. As far as going through things as a young girl I think she taught me how to take care of myself, be independent, and believe in myself (even when you are against the toughest boys).

KO- Growing up, I imagine you had to deal with peer pressures just like any other teen. What advice could you give to help teen girls say no to negative peer pressures like underage drinking?

SB- Biggest thing that I can say is find people (friends) who believe in the same values you do. I found I never felt to much pressure to drink because none of my friends did so I really was never around it. And if I was around it I had friends who would stick by me in my decision to say no.

KO- How does it feel to have young girls looking up to you?

SB- It is awesome. Growing up I was lucky because I had my sister to look up to but most girls could only look up to men like Michael Jordan. How could we dream of becoming them when it was so unrealistic? I hope young girls see how I made it to where I am and dream to do just the same. This is realistic and their dreams can come true. To know I can inspire another young woman to be her best- that’s a great feeling.

KO- What’s your favorite word?

SB- Can I give two? Consistency and determination. Both will help you throughout your life.