Women from across the country and across generations took the field in Oro Valley earlier this month for the Legendary Women’s Cup, a one-of-a-kind, women-only soccer tournament celebrating the sport’s past and empowering its future.

The cup took place Dec. 4–7 at Naranja Park in Oro Valley and honored the 40th anniversary of the first U.S. Women’s National Team, formed in 1985 to represent the United States in international play.

Three players from the original 1985 team, dubbed “The 85ers,” were on hand to assist with the tournament, serving as both special guests and players.

“What's so amazing is there is a platform for all of us women, no matter how young or how old we are, that we can go to in a safe place,” said Denise Boyer, a member of the 1985 team.

The four-day tournament was organized by Arizona Sports Alliance and hosted by Tucson Adult Soccer League. Organizers say it was about more than soccer, it was also about building community and learning from one another. The event included soccer clinics, yoga sessions and a charity event for Power Over Predators.

Boyer and the other 85ers loved the idea of an all-women tournament, saying that during their time, there were not nearly as many resources, support or respect for women’s sports.

In 2016, the USWNT went to court to fight for equal pay, hoping to close the gender pay gap with their male counterparts. It wasn’t until 2022 that the U.S. Soccer Federation established equal pay for both the men's and women's teams.

“Every woman here is sending the elevator back down for the others, to show what is possible,” said Ruth Harker, another member of the 85ers.

Boyer and fellow 85er Linda Gancitano played in the 50-plus division on a team called “Don't Stop Believing,” coached by Harker.

The 85ers identify as lifelong players, telling their younger counterparts to keep moving and never lose the joy of playing.

Mestro Strode, a player from Boulder, Colorado, in the 18-plus division, enjoyed watching the older players remain so invested in the game.

“They didn't have the level of access that even my age group has,” Strode said. “So to watch them continue to work hard out here, play for each other and like still bring soccer alive is the best part for me.”

Strode believes the cup is a great example of a tournament created for women by women, saying she could see the mutual understanding among players. In addition to the all-women teams, most of the referees were also women, affirming the tournament’s commitment to uplifting women in sports.

“I think women's sports is at a gorgeous, like, pinnacle right now,” Strode said. “And it's not a peak. It's not a plateau, it is going to keep growing.”

Women’s collegiate and professional sports have grown in viewership and revenue over the years, but the fight for equal pay and opportunities still continues.

“The more we support our women's sports and the more we lift each other up, and the more the country gets behind it, the more likely us women are going to have all of these same opportunities,” said another player in the 50-plus division.

In addition to recognizing the obstacles women in sports have faced through the years, the cup celebrated diversity in age and skill level.

Strode tore her ACL two years ago, saying she thought the injury would mean the end of her relationship with soccer. While she has since recovered and gotten back into the game, she said watching the 85ers made her realize her time on the field is far from over.

“I would like to play forever,” she said. “I realized that my body can push so much more and witnessing these 70 year olds with their visors and their sunglasses, shows me that, yes, I can continue to play at whatever level my body will let me.”

Diana Ramos is a University of Arizona alum and Tucson Spotlight reporter. Contact her at diana@tucsonspotlight.org.  

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