Maybe not posters, but jerseys. Prime example. Took DD to see USWNT play at Candlestick park, 2013. Walked up to buy jersey. DD wanted Dunn's jersey. Why? Dunn had no brand. BUT, DD had watched her play at the NCAA playoffs in San Diego in 2012 and Dunn was tearing it up since she was a freshman, even winning the NCAA championships with UNC that year. She knew she would make it to the USWNT and wanted to be the first to have a jersey. They made her a Dunn jersey there that day.
So, yes, kids do want to spend money on players they follow, admire and think are game changers. Brand player? Eh, don't care. She's a good role model tho. Why are you on the girls DA thread and keep shredding the girls game, brand, college programs, future, etc.? This is the GIRLS DA thread, right? So yes, agreed. Back on track!
They didn’t have the jersey. That IS the point. I’m glad they made the jersey for her though.
My kid has selfies with Dunn and I’ve watched let kids get selfies via piggy back from her as well.
I’ve watched Alex Morgan give a girl her cleats after a game. I’ve talked with Krieger’s Mother during a game. They have met Hope Solo, Marta, Pugh, and more and not at a college game.
Meanwhile at a college game.
Me: Hey girls let’s go to a UNC game!
DD: Great!
At game:
DD: Who is she?
Me: That is ____ ____, she is on the National Team
DD: WOW! She plays with Alex Morgan?
Me: Ummm, no, she is on the U20 team. But she might get called to the National Team camp.
DD: Whaa.....?
Me: It’s complicated.
DD: Ok That is still cool. Oh, look over there, who is she?
Me: ummmm Let’s check the program. Oh, yes, here she is. It says here she is a Journalism Major.
DD: oh... What’s a “Major”?
The point is, college sports appeal to college sports fans. I love the NFL but I could care less about the college game. My college lacked a large D1 program itself so that opportunity didn’t draw me in either. And why would I bother to watch or cheer for a team where I didn’t go to school? That is just weird. So why would I just decide to watch a UCLA women’s soccer game?
So go ahead and love the women’s college game. Appreciate it for what it is but please do not overstate it’s general appeal. Until the kids actually play on the international stage most folks don’t know or care who they are and there is nothing wrong with that. Almost all of the women from the National Championship roster from five years ago hopefully are happy and settled in their 9-5 job now and possibly raising a family. If we are very lucky, they may coach their kids and their kids friends.