United States women’s national team legend Mia Hamm has watched Rose Lavelle grow from a gifted attacking player into one of the most influential midfielders within the women’s game.
While acknowledging Lavelle’s immense on-pitch talent, Hamm quickly highlighted the Gotham FC midfielder’s bubbly personality.
“Rose is so, so talented,” Hamm said during a one-on-one interview with South Ward Central. “First of all, she’s just a great human being. Funny, fun to be around. I’ve been able to interact with her a lot.”
Lavelle’s star soared at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in helping the United States capture a fourth World Cup title. The Cincinnati, Ohio native scored three goals during the tournament, including the second goal in a 2-0 final victory over the Netherlands. It was a truly career-changing year for Lavelle, who was presented with the Bronze Ball after the tournament and was named to the 2019 FIFA FIFPro World XI.
Hamm on Lavelle’s ‘Incredible’ Growth
“I think the other thing with Rose is how she’s developed as a player,” Hamm continued. “In a way, finding her space in 2019 in the role she played. Almost in a support role, but then coming up now and being such an incredible leader and how she’s really embraced that.”
Hamm spoke with South Ward Central at TYLENOL’s PainTalk event at The Lawn Club in Lower Manhattan.
Gotham FC head coach Juan Carlos Amorós said earlier this season that Lavelle “gives 300 percent in absolutely every action” in attack and in defense. Hamm explained how defensive work rate fueled her confidence during her playing days, and she believes that Lavelle shares similar box-to-box charging traits.
Hamm on the Value of Defensive Work Rate in Elite Players
“I will say that your defensive work rate is much easier to count on than your technical and physical creativity,” Hamm stated. “Because there are days where it’s just harder to lean on. Regardless of the reps you put in. It’s like you step on the field and the ball bounces off your foot. You’re like, what the heck is happening?
“I would use my defensive work rate as just a foundation of my confidence. I can work hard, and I’m going to win balls for you. If the ball goes in the back of the net and I’m taking players on and I’m beating them, fantastic. But I know that’s not always going to be the case, I can work hard for my team, and there might be a tackle that I win that leads to a goal — and all of a sudden, you’re not thinking about the pressures on the attacking side of the ball. You’re just doing it.”
How Lavelle Changes Games for Club and Country
Lavelle has often been described as one of the greatest game changers in the NWSL and on the international stage.
“I love the fact that she feels that responsibility and uses it to change the momentum from winning the ball and slotting it through,” Hamm said. “Or winning the ball and putting it on the frame. Because now the defense changes. It changes the way they play you. It changes the way they play your team.”
It’s easy to forget that Lavelle is still just 31. She has years ahead to add more titles for club and country, as well as competing for personal accolades. Her 80th-minute match-winning goal against the Washington Spirit captured the 2025 NWSL Championship for Gotham.
On Friday, she’ll have the chance to propel Gotham to victory in the 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup against the NWSL Shield-holding Kansas City Current.
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