By HEIDI SMITH
PLAY ON
From Adversity to Advantage Through 140 Years of Women’s Soccer
Women’s soccer is a powerful global force and a vehicle for creating individual and societal change. While the sport has advanced in meaningful ways, the challenges facing today’s players are not new. Violence, ridicule and obstruction have been obstacles since the game began in the 1880’s. Play On explores that history through the lens of soccer’s advantage, or ‘play on’ rule: if a player has been fouled but is still in an advantageous position, play can continue. There is no better analogy for the women’s game. Despite chronic and outrageous fouls — low to no pay, poor playing conditions, media mockery — women have persevered. In doing so, they have changed the game and the world.
Author
Heidi Smith
Heidi Smith is a former high school and community college teacher, magazine editor, soccer coach, trail crew leader, ropes course facilitator, counselor, banquet server and humor columnist. She holds a B.A. in English from California State University, Chico and a Masters in Teaching from The Evergreen State College. Her work has appeared in South Sound Business, Tacoma Weekly, Educational Leadership and Connected Science Learning.
“Play On” is an inspiring and essential read that brilliantly chronicles the indomitable spirit of women’s soccer, revealing how the sport has not only overcome historical and modern obstacles but has also become a powerful catalyst for societal change. This compelling work transcends sports, offering a profound sociological examination that will resonate with anyone interested in empowering women, women’s history, and the enduring power of perseverance.
– Dr. Colleen hacker, 6 Time Olympic Games Coaching Staff, 12 World Championships, former USWNT Mental Skills Coach
‘Play On’ is a powerful tribute to the resilience, passion, and progress of women’s soccer. This book doesn’t just chronicle a sport—it celebrates a movement, a legacy, and the trailblazers who turned adversity into triumph.
– Dr. Marilyn Giroux, Assistant Professor, University Laval
“Play On is a deeply human, well-researched chronicle that brings to light 140 years of women’s football history—capturing the passion, resilience, and relentless fight for recognition and equality, often in the face of indifference, discrimination, and outright exclusion. Through compelling storytelling, the book highlights the systemic challenges women have faced in the game and honors the incredible women, including those like myself, who refused to be sidelined. It’s a powerful tribute to the courage of those who kept playing on.”
– Andrea Rodebaugh Huitron, Sports Director Women’s National Teams, Mexican Football Federation
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