Played her first match against Japan on June 1, 1988. Scored her first goal April 18, 1991 against Mexico (she scored five goals in that match, a team record for one game). 1988-93: Was a reserve forward for the team through 1993, when she was cut. She appeared in two games in the 1991 FIFA Women's World Championship in China, starting one. 1996: Recalled to the team during dispute between players and U.S. Soccer over working conditions and converted to defender. She was a starter and played every minute of all five matches at the Atlanta Olympic Games. 1998: Played 24 matches and was third in minutes played with 1,894. Was a part-time midfielder and helped team to gold medal in the Goodwill Games. Finished year with five goals, four on penalty kicks. 1999: Played 27 games. Scored own goal against Germany in World Cup quarterfinal, but scored tying goal for United States in the second half. Earned her 100th cap July 4 in World Cup semifinal victory over Brazil at nearby Stanford Stadium. Her left-footed penalty kick in the World Cup final came after missing a right-footed PK against China earlier in the spring in the Algarve Cup in Portugal. 2000: Penalty kick defeated Norway for United States' first title in the Algarve Cup. Member of silver-medal winning team in Sydney Olympic Games. Career totals: Caps – 140, 8th on team; Assists – 24, 8th on team.

Chastain began her college career at Cal, where she was Soccer America's national freshman of the year, and then transferred to Santa Clara, where she led the Broncos to two NCAA final four appearances and was named all-American and player of the year in 1990. High School: Attended Mitty High School [CA].

Brandi Denise Chastain. Married to Jerry Smith, women's soccer coach at Santa Clara University. Cameron, 12, is her stepson. Attended University of California, Berkeley (1986-88), Santa Clara University (1989-91). Graduated from Santa Clara with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in television communication. Why she's an athlete: ``I enjoy physically challenging myself to achieve goals.'' Earliest soccer memory: Sleeping in the first uniform she received. Favorite soccer player: Roy Keane, Manchester United, because ``he plays both ways with reckless abandon. Most influential people on her soccer career: Father Roger ``for his dedication to my growth as a player,'' mother Lark ``for always supporting me,'' and husband ``for teaching me how important playing defense is.'' Outside the WUSA, the most important event in her soccer career: Returning to the national team for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics after being cut from the national team. Favorite 1999 Women's World Cup memory: ``Warming up in the tunnel and sitting together in the locker room after it was all over and laughing, crying, hugging my best friends.'' Pregame ritual: ``When I pull my shirt over my head, my game face comes on.'' Community activities: Speeches at high schools and businesses. Favorite sport outside soccer: Golf. Three things for which she is most thankful: Family, friends and the opportunity to do what she loves for a living.