Three years into her tenure as U.S. Soccer President, Cindy Parlow Cone has already cemented her legacy as a transformative force. The architect of a groundbreaking gender-equity agreement between the national teams, Cone's leadership is reshaping American soccer from the front office. But her journey to the federation's top job began not in a boardroom, but on the world's biggest stage.
The Foundation: Forged in 1999
Long before she negotiated historic labor deals, Cone was a 21-year-old forward helping to capture the nation's imagination during the iconic 1999 Women's World Cup. Starting all six matches and contributing to nearly a quarter of the team's goals, that tournament did more than earn her a championship medal—it became the crucible for her future leadership.
"I literally grew up with some of the best leaders I've ever been around on that team," Cone reflects. "Watching and learning from my teammates was hugely impactful in shaping who I am today. I wouldn't be in this position without that experience."
Learning from Legends
Surrounded by icons like Mia Hamm, Carla Overbeck, and Julie Foudy, a young, reserved Cone absorbed diverse leadership styles. "Mia led very differently than Carla, and Carla differently than Julie," she notes. "As a quiet player, I was trying to figure out my own style. They let me be me and grow into my voice in my own time."
That education extended beyond her 158 national team caps and single game as captain. It formed a philosophy she now applies from the executive suite: "Leadership is leadership. Regardless of the audience or situation—player, coach, or executive—the same core principles apply."
Building a New Legacy
Those principles guided Cone through negotiations that produced U.S. Soccer's landmark gender-equity agreement, a deal that has become a global benchmark. It's an achievement that might have seemed improbable during her playing days, yet feels inevitable given her trajectory.
Next summer, Cone will help steer American soccer through another milestone as the men's World Cup returns to the United States for the first time in over three decades. "Being the host country, we will be very visible," she promises of the massive event, where U.S. Soccer will play a prominent role alongside FIFA.
At 47, with a resume that includes World Cup and Olympic gold, 75 international goals, an NWSL championship as a coach, and a Sports Illustrated cover, Cone's career continues to evolve. "I think I'm still pretty young so I hope that I'm not done yet," she says with characteristic humility. "I don't know what my legacy is going to be."
But with a historic agreement already secured and a home World Cup on the horizon, that legacy is already being written—one inspired decision at a time, forged in the heat of competition and refined in the pursuit of equity for the next generation.
