Nov. 20, 2009

CHAPEL HILL - Former University of North Carolina and Team USA women's soccer star Mia Hamm stopped by one of the Tar Heel women's lacrosse team's fall practices recently, visiting with the 2010 squad and providing a highlight for the team's players and coaches.

"Growing up playing sports I watched professional athletes such as Mia Hamm on a daily basis," says sophomore All-ACC candidate Laura Zimmerman. "I looked up to them and strove to have the same determination and work ethic they portrayed. Having a UNC alumna as successful as Mia Hamm come back, watch our practice, and then tell us stories from her college experience was extremely inspirational. The support previous athletes still show to present athletes is amazing."

Freshman Lauren Maksym agrees.

"Growing up, Mia Hamm was my hero," Maksym says. "She was the only great female athlete that I knew of, that I heard about, that I read about and that I looked up to. Meeting her was an amazing experience. It was overwhelming to actually meet the person that I wanted to be. She is one of the reasons I am proud to say I'm a Tar Heel."

"It was an honor to meet Mia Hamm," says senior All-America and U.S. team player Jenn Russell. "She embodies what it means to be a true competitor and is a role model for everyone on our team."

The Tar Heel lacrosse team will take the opening draw on its 2010 season on Feb. 14 at home at Fetzer Field against Denver.