July 6, 2015
Former University of Notre Dame standout Shannon Boxx (’99) can add another line to her impressive soccer resume: World Cup champion.
Boxx and the United States Women’s National Team defeated Japan, 5-2, in Sunday’s tournament finale in Vancouver, British Columbia.
This was Boxx’s fourth World Cup appearance. She and the U.S. were runners-up at the 2011 World Cup after posting third-place finishes in 2007 and 2003. Boxx earned her 191st international cap when she came on in the 74th minute of the 1-0 win over Nigeria (June 16) that clinched Group D for the U.S.
The U.S. Women’s National Team now boasts three World Cup titles, the most of any nation. This was the first crown for the Americans since 1999. That ’99 squad featured former Fighting Irish star, and current Monogram Club board member, Kate Sobrero Markgraf (’98).
In addition to her vast World Cup experience, Boxx has competed in three Olympic Games with Team USA and she helped the squad capture gold all three times (2004, 2008, 2012).
During her playing days at Notre Dame, Boxx and the Fighting Irish won the 1995 national championship, while finishing as runner-up in 1996 and semifinalist in 1997.
Boxx wasn’t the only Notre Dame alum competing in the World Cup. Melissa Tancredi (’04) helped Canada win Group A and advance to the quarterfinals before falling to England. Tancredi started four of Canada’s five matches in the tournament. It was the third World Cup appearance for Tancredi, who was a vital part of Notre Dame’s 2004 national championship team.
Not only was Notre Dame represented on the pitch during the World Cup, Irish alums also had a presence on TV. Markgraf served as an analyst for ESPN, while Monica González (’01) covered the action for Fox Sports. González competed for Mexico at the ’99 World Cup.
Click here for more information on the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Soccer Mom.
World Cup Champion.
NCAA Champion.
Notre Dame Graduate.
Congrats @ShannonBoxx7!
(HT @ussoccer_wnt) pic.twitter.com/rTP26S5aqj
– The Fighting Irish (@FightingIrish) July 6, 2015
ADD A STAR! #USA are the World Cup Champions!! Congrats @ShannonBoxx7 and Team USA! 🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/v1EZb0csPN
– ND Women’s Soccer (@NDSoccer) July 6, 2015
PARTY LIKE IT’S 1999!
Last 2 times 🇺🇸 has won World Cup (’99, ’15), an ND alum has been on team
99-Markgraf 15-Boxx pic.twitter.com/nBl4YAaseK
– The Fighting Irish (@FightingIrish) July 6, 2015
🇺🇸! 🇺🇸! 🇺🇸!
The @ussoccer_wnt & @NDSoccer alum Shannon Boxx has won the World Cup!
âš½️World Cup Final 🇺🇸 5 🇯🇵 2 pic.twitter.com/jNhTHk4JWa
– The Fighting Irish (@FightingIrish) July 6, 2015
Thank you #’15’ers for continuing to grow the game and inspiring a new generation of fans. It’s hard to be what u can’t c. #USA #3stars boom
– Kate Markgraf (@katemarkgraf) July 6, 2015