Visualizing the Rise of American Women's Soccer
A summary of the research:
This project, titled "Visualizing the Rise of American Women's Soccer," looks at the growth and increasing importance of women's soccer in the United States. The researcher used data visualizations, timelines, and different media to show important moments, players, and achievements in the sport's history. The goal was to see if the idea that women's soccer is "on the rise" is actually supported by evidence, by looking at things like how well teams and players are doing, how many people are watching games, and how much attention the sport is getting. The project also explores the impact of key players on their teams and the growing global reputation of American women's soccer.
The study found that there are clear signs pointing to the rise of American women's soccer. For example, attendance at National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) games has significantly increased over the years, even after accounting for disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, many of the world's best women's soccer players are either American or play in the NWSL, showing the league's growing global importance as a place for top talent. The financial success of American players is also notable, with a majority of the highest-paid players in the 2023 Women's World Cup being from the U.S., highlighting their marketability and influence. The project uses interactive visuals and data analysis to present these findings, allowing users to explore the evidence for the rise of American women's soccer.
Here are three key takeaways:
Recognize and potentially leverage the significant impact of individual star players: The analysis of goal contributions in the NWSL highlights how much a single player can affect a team's success and even the league standings. Coaches can use this information to understand the value of their key players and potentially build strategies around their strengths. Administrators might consider how marketing and fan engagement can be enhanced by showcasing these impactful individuals.
Capitalize on the growing fan interest and attendance: The clear upward trend in NWSL attendance from 2016 to 2024 indicates a growing fanbase. Coaches and administrators should look for opportunities to further engage with this growing audience. This could involve improving the game-day experience, increasing community outreach efforts, or strategically scheduling games to maximize attendance.
Acknowledge and build upon the strong global reputation of American women's soccer: The fact that many top international players either are American or play in the NWSL demonstrates the high regard for the sport in the U.S.. Coaches can use this to attract talented players, and administrators can leverage this reputation to explore international partnerships, attract sponsors, and further elevate the league's global standing.
Author: Hoi Wah Tang
You can read the entire paper here.
