After reading Denise Plumbs’ article, “Broke the Glass Ceiling,” I felt compelled to share the story of my mother, Marty Mankamyer, whose quiet determination helped pave the way for women in sports, particularly soccer.
My name is Nancy Sibley. While many recognize the stars of today’s game, few know about the pioneers like my mom, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure women had the same opportunities as men. Her work was instrumental in creating the foundation that helped elevate women’s soccer to the international stage, and I believe her story deserves to be told.
As the Olympic gold dust settles for the U.S. Women’s National Team, it’s important to remember the pioneers who blazed the trail for their success. Long before legends like Mia Hamm and Brandi Chastain captivated the world, a different set of heroes quietly fought to create opportunities for women in soccer. Among these pioneers was Marty Mankamyer, a soccer mom from Colorado whose relentless advocacy in the 1970s helped shape the sport into the global powerhouse it is today.
Marty’s journey began far from the soccer fields in Farmington, New Mexico, where she grew up as an only child. Encouraged by her father, she learned to shoot and ride horses and eventually took up barrel racing—a far cry from the traditional expectations of women in her era. Her intelligence and drive set her apart, and by the time she graduated high school at just 16, Marty was already developing a sense of the gender inequities that shaped her world.
She refrained from playing women’s basketball in high school when she realized it was restricted to half-court play for girls, a rule that clearly symbolized the broader limitations placed on female athletes at the time.
After briefly attending UCLA and later the University of New Mexico, Marty’s adventurous spirit led her to Colorado, where she worked odd jobs, raced stock cars, and even earned a pilot’s license. However, her life took a significant turn when she remarried and settled in Colorado Springs, where her daughters developed an interest in soccer.
At the time, girls’ soccer was still in its infancy, with only recreational opportunities available. Recognizing the need for greater support, Marty and her husband Jack co-founded the Chargers Soccer Club, a pivotal moment for the development of youth soccer in Colorado. Marty became the driving force behind the club’s success, recruiting players, organizing tournaments, and helping it grow into one of the most respected teams in the state.
Her organizational skills and business acumen quickly caught the attention of national soccer leaders. In 1984, Marty was elected the First Female President of the U.S. Youth Soccer Association (USYS), defeating Warner Fricker. It was a monumental victory not just for Marty but for women in sports. Her presidency marked a turning point, as she, along with other advocates like Mavis Derflinger and Betty D’Angelo, campaigned tirelessly for women’s soccer to be added to major sporting events, including the Olympic Sports Festival.
While Marty’s tenure as USYS president lasted only one term, her influence was far from over. She joined the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) in the 1990s, where she became instrumental in the push to include women’s soccer in the Olympics. With the 1996 Atlanta Games on the horizon, many doubted it was possible to add a new sport so close to the event. Marty, however, was undeterred. Her rallying cry, “Watch me,” exemplified the same determination that had carried her through so many of life’s challenges.
With the support of key figures like USOC CEO Harvey Schiller and Billy Payne, chair of the Atlanta Games, Marty’s persistence paid off. In 1996, women’s soccer made its Olympic debut. Marty was there in the stands to witness the U.S. Women’s National Team take home the gold, a triumph built on the decades of advocacy and groundwork she had helped to lay.
Marty’s contributions to women’s soccer didn’t end with the Olympics. From 1998 to 2000, she served as a liaison to the U.S. Women’s National Team, traveling the world to promote the sport. Her passion also extended to various committees within the USOC, and she eventually became its president—though her tenure was brief. Despite the challenges, her impact was lasting.
Marty’s legacy is marked by numerous accolades, including induction into the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame, the Colorado Soccer Association Hall of Fame, and recognition at the USYS 50th anniversary. Yet, perhaps her greatest achievement is that her work has changed the trajectory of women’s sports for future generations, allowing young girls to dream of Olympic gold just as she once did for her daughters.
At 91, Marty remains a vibrant advocate for the sport, encouraging future generations to continue pushing for progress. Reflecting on her decades-long journey, she sees the success of today’s players as the realization of a dream she and many others fought for tirelessly. “US Soccer can’t rest on its laurels,” she reminds us, ever the trailblazer.
“The Flame Must Keep Burning!”
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FUNdamental CALL to ACTION
A special thank you to Nancy Sibley for sharing her mother, Marty Mankamyer’s inspiring story. Marty’s passion and determination have left a lasting impact on soccer, and her legacy continues to motivate us today.
As a mother of seven, Marty proved that parents, especially moms, can play a crucial role in shaping the future of the game. With an alarming 70-75% of teens dropping out of soccer, parents have the power to help reverse this trend by getting involved—whether as coaches, referees, administrators, positive spectators, or volunteers. Together, we can create a positive environment where every player feels encouraged to stay in the game for a lifetime.
Join the SOCCERevolution! Let’s work together to curb the dropout rate and make soccer a lifelong passion for everyone!
