Arizona soccer star Julie Johnston headed to Rio Olympics
Jul 12, 2016, 2:28 PM | Updated: Jul 13, 2016, 11:20 am
United States' Julie Johnston celebrates a goal with teammates during the U.S. Women's World Cup soccer victory tour, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Birmingham, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
(AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
PHOENIX — Arizona athletes continue to fill up Olympic rosters across all sports: It was announced Tuesday that Arizona native Julie Johnston again made the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team.
According to Team USA, Johnston is one of 11 first-timers to appear on this year’s Olympic team.
Johnston told U.S. Soccer, “I feel anytime you can represent the country it’s an amazing honor.”
Although this will be her first Olympic games, Johnston has already made some soccer history.
In 2015, Johnston was a member of the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team and assisted the team — literally — in winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“Coming off the World Cup win, it was such a great journey,” she said. “Right after that win I just wanted more, and to have another opportunity to play with this team in a big tournament.”
Earlier this year, Johnston made the first-ever FIFPro World Women’s XI team — essentially an honorary all-star team made up of players from around the globe — cementing her status as one of the best soccer players in the world.
Johnston said that each of her accomplishments, “makes [her] fall in love with the sport over and over again.”
The soccer star will be competing alongside many other Arizona athletes in Rio de Janeiro August 5-21.
