Briana Scurry is a pioneering figure in the world of sport, celebrated both for her remarkable achievements on the football pitch and her inspiring presence as a motivational speaker. Known for her resilience, leadership, and unshakable determination, Briana brings an unmatched level of authenticity and insight to her talks. Hired by leading organisations such as Goldman Sachs, the U.S. Soccer Foundation and America SCORES, she speaks on overcoming adversity, goal setting, and peak performance – topics she knows intimately from a lifetime of triumphs and challenges. Her unique blend of sporting excellence and personal courage makes her a compelling and highly sought-after voice on stages across the United States and beyond.
Briana’s journey began in her youth, where she quickly stood out as a talented athlete with a deep passion for football. She played a key role in Anoka High School’s 1989 state championship win in Minnesota and was named the state’s High School Female Athlete of the Year that same year. Her success continued through university, earning the title of National Collegiate Goalkeeper of the Year in 1993. With such an outstanding record, it was no surprise when she was selected to join the United States Women’s National Soccer Team, where she made history not only through her skill but as one of the first African American and openly LGBT women in professional football.
Throughout her illustrious career, Briana played in 173 international matches, winning two Olympic gold medals, one silver, and claiming the World Cup title in 1999. Her accolades include a 2003 WUSA Goalkeeper of the Year award and induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2017. Following a career-ending head injury, Briana shifted her focus to new challenges, including coaching and commentary. She currently serves as First Assistant Coach for Washington Spirit and was the subject of a 2022 CBS documentary, “The Only", as well as the author of her memoir, “My Greatest Save”.
Briana is frequently invited to speak at schools, businesses, and sporting events due to her inspiring life story and ability to connect with audiences from all backgrounds. Her experiences – from battling injury to breaking barriers in sport – equip her with real-world lessons in resilience, teamwork, and leadership. Briana’s talks are not only motivational but deeply human, offering audiences a powerful message of perseverance, inclusion, and purpose.