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July 28, 2026, 11:26 a.m.

Student Reporting Labs: USWNT legend Briana Scurry on the future of women's soccer

SUMMARY

USWNT legend Briana Scurry talks about the growth and struggles of women’s sports, what it meant to have the Men's World Cup in the United States, and looks ahead to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil next year.

Visit the Student Reporting Labs website for more information.

NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What do you want to learn more about? You can also make a Google doc copy of these general discussion questions.

News alternative: Check our recent segments from the News Hour and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. See the Google doc above for discussion questions.

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

  1. Who is Brianna Scurry, and what is her background?
  2. What position did Scurry play for the U.S. women's national team?
  3. When did Scurry win the FIFA Women's World Cup and why was the final historic?
  4. Where will the FIFA Women's World Cup be played in 2027?
  5. Why did Scurry have to "make [her] own path" as an athlete?

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

  1. How is Scurry's impact evident in the current U.S. women's national team? Why do you think "Triple Espresso" leading the team is so meaningful to Scurry?
  2. Why does Scurry describe the upcoming World Cup as a "watershed" moment? How could it have a similar impact to the 1999 Women's World Cup (the first hosted in the United States)?

Media literacy: Scurry was the only person interviewed for this segment. After learning about her story, who else would you have been interested to hear from?

WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO

Students can watch the trailer for "The Only," a documentary about Scurry on Paramount Plus. Then, answer the following prompt in a 250-350 word written response.

  • Who is another significant figure you can think of that was "the only" in their field? What difficulties did they encounter and what were the long-term consequences of their accomplishments?
    • This can be another athlete, a musician, a politician, a scientist, etc.
    • In addition to your prior knowledge, spend 15 minutes further researching this person to help you answer the prompt.

Written by PBS News Hour Classroom's Intern Henry Mode and Luke Gerwe.

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