Wyant knew that unique feeling of pride for one's country and team as she experienced it for the first time 35 years ago. She was the goalkeeper among a group of pioneers who were in the starting lineup when the U.S. Women's National Team made its international debut on August 18, 1985 in Jesolo, Italy. "Still one of my most vivid memories," she said.
"I was very emotional, probably having tears in my eyes," Wyant added. "I had my hand over my heart, singing the national anthem. I felt very bonded to my teammates. Just the recognition that I was about to play in a game representing my country, it was very overwhelming. It was very special."
Wyant and her teammates laid the groundwork for Americans to compete in, excel in and dominate the international women's game. Those early days of the USWNT weren’t glamorous. No pro league, no opportunities for world championships or gold medals and no money.
Wyant, who has made a career of making history, had a late start on the soccer field. Hialeah High School (Fla.) didn’t field a team until her junior year. She loved playing sports, competing at volleyball in the fall, basketball in the winter and softball in the spring. When a coach asked her to try out for soccer, Wyant jumped at the opportunity.
After seeing how huge the field was on her first day of practice, Wyant made a wise choice for herself -- and eventually for U.S. Soccer -- to become a ‘keeper.
Though she did not have formal training, she learned to guard the net with her natural athletic ability.
"I was good at catching," she said, "so it was a position that I really relished. We were not very good. Actually, we were terrible. I remember playing games where we were unable to get the ball over the halfway line. That experience of getting clobbered every game, it really helped to develop my skills because I was very active. I made a lot of saves. I was doing it through natural ability and athleticism."
Wyant's saving graces did not go unnoticed. She joined a club team and earned regional recognition, and then a chance to play for the University of Central Florida.
Not only did Wyant start for head coach Jim Rudy's team as a freshman, she stood out, helping UCF reach the 1982 NCAA Division I Final against the University of North Carolina. The Knights fell 2-1, but she was named tournament MVP, a rare honor for a player from the losing side.
In those days, Regional Teams were used to select the first pool for the U.S. Women’s National Team. Squads from four parts of the country tussled at the 1985 National Sports Festival in Baton Rouge, La. The day after the tournament, players gathered in the stadium and sat in the penalty area. Officials announced a team was being selected to play in a tourney in Italy.
