Building Culture as a Player

Creating a robust team culture relies on both coaches and players, but it is ultimately the players who breathe life into that culture. According to Dunn, feeling cared for—both as a person and a player—enables her to positively impact the team.

“The environments where I felt most successful… there was always clarity around what the expectations are for the total group, but also the individuals that make up the group,” Dunn reflected. “The healthiest environments allowed me to impact the environment as a leader and a top player on the field.”

A player’s attitude and performance, exemplified by leaders like Dunn, ripple through the entire team. Younger players often look up to these leaders for guidance on expectations, making the players vital in shaping the team culture.

Parlow Cone, who joined the USWNT in the mid-1990s, echoed this sentiment. Early interactions with legends such as Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy provided lessons in leadership, grit, and resilience, which laid the groundwork for her own development.

Dunn’s 12 years with the USWNT taught her that the environment may not suit everyone, yet self-awareness is crucial for those looking to thrive. Through her own adversities, like missing the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup roster, she learned the importance of challenge and growth.

“To be challenged is to learn and to grow,” Dunn asserted, reflecting on her toughest moments and recognizing their role in her evolution.

Building Culture as an Executive

When Parlow Cone transitioned to President of the Federation in 2020, she brought with her a vision for the culture she wanted to foster. Her primary goal is to support others in achieving their best.

“Emma doesn’t need me to pick her roster or tell her who to start,” emphasized Parlow Cone. “My role is trying to clear the path ahead of them… immediate solving and tackling.”

Her extensive experience shaped her understanding of teamwork—now applied in steering a Federation comprising diverse member organizations. Leading with curiosity and patience allows her to grasp others’ objectives while enabling those goals to evolve.

The mission of U.S. Soccer is to expand the sport as a whole, but for Parlow Cone, developing the women’s game means ensuring that the insights and experiences of women and girls guide this growth.

“I feel… that we have a responsibility to grow this game, not only here domestically but internationally as well,” Parlow Cone concluded, emphasizing the importance of fostering engaging and developmentally appropriate environments for female players at all levels.