US Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone Announced as 2021 Inductee of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Feb. 23, 2021 – Cindy Parlow Cone, a Memphis, Tenn. native, Olympic gold medalist, World Cup Champion, and the President of US Soccer, is a 2021 Inductee of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. Parlow Cone was told of her inclusion Friday during a US Soccer staff meeting by Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.  

Parlow Cone was an All-American soccer player at Germantown High School, leading Germantown to the 1994 state championship, and was also named Tennessee High School Player of the Year in 1994. She is a four-time All-American at the University of North Carolina. During her time in Chapel Hill, the Tarheels won two national championships, and Parlow Cone was named the National Player of the Year in 1997 and 1998.

Her success continues after college, as Parlow Cone played for the US Women’s National team from 1996-2004 and won two Olympic gold medals during that span. She was also part of the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup championship team.

Parlow Cone was one of the twenty founding players of the Women’s United Soccer Federation, the first professional women’s soccer league in the United States. During her time as captain of the Atlanta beat, she led the team to the playoffs in all three of the league’s three seasons of operation.

As a coach, Parlow Cone was the first head coach to win a National Women’s Soccer League Championship as she guided the Portland Thorns FC to the 2013 title in the league’s inaugural season.

Most recently, Parlow Cone was named as the first woman President of US Soccer in March of 2020.

The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame recognized Parlow Cone as Professional Athlete of the Year in 2000 and 2004.

“Cindy Parlow Cone is a great leader for soccer in the United States, as her 1996 Olympic team and 1999 World Cup team continues to inspire generations of soccer fans,” said Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “Her contributions to the sport and its history continue with her position as President of US Soccer, and we’re thrilled to have her as part of our 2021 Class of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.”

Parlow Cone joins former MTSU defensive standout Mike Caldwell, and Jackson native Brandon Rowland as announced inductees of the Class of 2021. The full class of 11 will be announced over the coming weeks.

Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame honors figures from every sport including basketball, baseball, football, golf, soccer and track & field, along with coaches, teams, sports writers and others who made an impact. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development oversees all operations along with the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors.

For more information, visit www.tshf.net.

About the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame

Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame enshrines and honors athletes, teams, coaches, sports writers and sports administrators who have made an impact on the history of Tennessee sports. The Hall serves as a platform to connect athletes, coaches, sports fans, and supporters by acknowledging life achievements implemented through sports. The Hall celebrates athletes of all forms, from all across the state. Additionally, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame aspires to educate youth about the importance of healthy habits and the positive impact they have on lifestyle choices. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame is located at 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Tickets are $3 for adults and $2 for children and can be purchased at the Visitor Center in Bridgestone Arena, right outside of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. Group rates are available for 10 or more. For more information, visit www.tshf.net.