ESPN

Moderator

  (5:06 PM)

Hey everybody! Brandi and Heather will be here on Friday at 10:15 a.m. ET! Send in those questions now, we'll see you then!

Moderator

  (10:05 AM)

Goodmorning! The ladies are walking over right now, we'll be getting started shortly -- Send in those questions NOW!

Brandi Chastain

  (10:09 AM)

Giddy up from Bristol, CT! This mad happenin' town!

Randy from Louisiana

Hi Brandi and Heather! Thank you Brandi for all the wonderful pride and memories you have given me watching our nation's team and here's to you Heather for carrying on that great tradition! Brandi and Heather - Can you put into your own words what Mia Hamm has meant to each of you in terms of on and off the field teammate?Thank you,Randy

Brandi Chastain

  (10:11 AM)

In terms of being a soccer player and soccer fan -- Mia has had such a great impact on the game. She has carried the torch of women's soccer with such integrity. She's been an incredible example of being a professional.

Heather Mitts

  (10:12 AM)

For me, it's kina different. I've looked up to Mia and now I finally have a chance to play with her. Mia is someone that you want to emmulate as far has her tenacity and intensity on the field. she has been an amazing leader and has taught me a lot as a player.

Kevin (Brunswick, Maine)

Brandi -- Can you compare and contrast the intensity, atmosphere, pressure of the Olympics and the World Cup? What're the biggest differences of these two world-stage events?

Brandi Chastain

  (10:15 AM)

It's a great question because I think there is a great contrast between the two. The World Cup is obviously a stand-alone soccer event and, as a player, it's the greatest event you can aspire to be a part of. The Olympics is an event that is looked at by the whole world as an arena where ALL athletes, ALL countries come to compete. I think we can all say that we have all dreamed of being a part of the Olympics. It is incredibly humbling and a privelege to wear your countries colors and represent the United States -- we promise to do our best!

Moonlight

For Brandi, how much abuse have you and your teammates given Heather for winning World's Sexiest Athlete on ESPN's Page 2?

Brandi Chastain

  (10:16 AM)

Not too much. We were away in Costa Rica when that came out. Julie is usually the leader of the pranks.

Kathryn: Tallahasse, Florida

Brandi,I know there is a unique bond between the 5 of you that have been here from the beginning, but, in your eyes, how importnat is it that you all lead this team to victory, or do you think that you guys will be relying on the rookies (Wambach: Go Gators, O'Reilly etc.) to step up and seal the deal for the gold in Athens?

Brandi Chastain

  (10:18 AM)

This Olympic squad is a team of 18 players and all 18 will have to contribute to the outcome of the games, which obviously includes Abby and O'reilly -- they wouldn't be here if we didn't need them.

Lauren, Marlton NJ

Heather: What was your reaction to making the Olympic roster??

Heather Mitts

  (10:19 AM)

It was a mix of shock and relief. It was something that I've been working towards my whole life -- a life long dream of mine. After six intense months of residency, to finally see my name on that roster was just pure relief.

Martha, San Jose, CA

Brandi: where is your famous sports bra now?

Brandi Chastain

  (10:20 AM)

In my laudry basket waiting to be washed like the ten other jog bras! Ha ha ... it's in my dresser drawer.

Erin (Cincinnati)

Is the team going to be able to participate in the Opening or Closing Cermonies at the Olympics?

Brandi Chastain

  (10:22 AM)

Unfortunately, due to our schedule, (our games are the 11th and 14th) and Opening Ceremonies are on the 13th in Athens, we won't be able to be a part of the ceremonies. Which is a bummer!

Brittany Barry Basking Ridge NJ

Brandi and Heather best of luck in athens you are all amazing!!! What was your favorite off the field memory from Residency?

Brandi Chastain

  (10:24 AM)

We have so many memories off the field becuase we realy enjoy spending time together. The lasting memories though are things like Sunday mornings when we don't need to be togetehr but we'd just happen to end up at the same diner.

Heather Mitts

  (10:26 AM)

I agree, one of my favorites is team bonding -- usualy at Brandi, Mia, Lil and Julie's house. Usually consists of a barbeque and good times. But also ... we reenacted the Song of the Year nominees for the Teen Choice Awards -- which will be airing August 11th -- tune in!! It will be hilarious!

Maggie (Weymouth, Mass)

Hey ladies! Thanks for joining us! What is the best thing fans can to do make some grassroots ruckus and BRING BACK THE WUSA??!

Brandi Chastain

  (10:27 AM)

BUY SEASON TICKETS! And tell your friends to do the same. If we can show the sponsors taht tehre is a demand for tickets, and taht people are truly interested, we'll ahve an easier arguement to bring it back. The players aren't the only ones responsible for bringing it back, the fans of soccer have to take a stake in the efforts to bring it back.

Natalie, Atlanta GA

I've read alot about how the defeat against Norway at the World Cup in Sweden created an intense rivalry between ya'll. Has Germany overtaken Norway as the US's biggest rival? Good luck in Athens!!!

Brandi Chastain

  (10:28 AM)

Well, since Norway won't be in the Olymics, I guess Germany can take their place.

Randy from Louisiana

Heather - With the WUSA league not around at the moment..hopefully back soon...what are your plans after the Olympic gold?

Heather Mitts

  (10:30 AM)

That's a good question becuase everything is up in the air depending on whether the WUSA returns or not. but I do know that I will continue to play soccer -- not sure where, but ... we'll figure that out soon ... and root for the Dolphins in the meantime!

Brandi Chastain

  (10:31 AM)

But let's not get ahead of ourselves! Our main goal right now IS to win that gold medal!

Lauren Marlton NJ

Hey! In the WUSA which international player was the toughest to defend? Which did you enjoy playing with the most?

Heather Mitts

  (10:32 AM)

Prinz. Play with -- Kelly Smith and Marinette Picchon.

Brandi Chastain

  (10:33 AM)

Play against -- Prentinha b/c she is a little crafty bugger. And, to play with Sissi b/c she makes all the players around her look good.

Kelly(Vero Beach,Florida)

Who are you guys roomies with?oh and good luck in the olympics!=D-Kelly

Brandi Chastain

  (10:34 AM)

I'm roommates with Lindsay Tarpley -- a first time Olympian.

Heather Mitts

  (10:35 AM)

And I'm roommates with Aly Wagner -- a first time Olympian ... and the queen of non-commital. She was my roommate al of residency, too.

Kelly(Vero Beach,Fl)

hi..my name is kelly!!and well anyways this question is for the both of u..well first of all i wanted to say thanks for making my time in blaine,mn durin the wusa festival!=D!But i was just wandering..How did you guys enjoy playing and being a part of the festivals?Thanks and Good Luck in the Olympics!

Heather Mitts

  (10:37 AM)

I absolutely loved it. It was an opportunity to play alongside many of my WUSA teammates again. I thought the level of play was outstanding for coming together for the first time in a year and to play in an exhibition game. Hopefully we'll have another opportunity to play together again in the near future b/c it was a great product.

Brandi Chastain

  (10:39 AM)

I think they were another great opportunity to showcase the talent that the WUSA possesses. As well as to show the sponsors that there is a demand to see those players in a stadium. And, most importantly, to thank the fans for all their support.

Sarah (Cincinnati)

Heather - I'm a St. Ursula gradute as well. Just wanted to wish you luck next month. We're all pulling for you guys!!!

Heather Mitts

  (10:40 AM)

Thanks a lot for all the support from Cincinnati. Go Bulldogs!

Pooh, Indiana

I have two kids that will be playing youth league soccer. Are there any drills that will add to their enjoyment of the season by helping them have a successful season

Brandi Chastain

  (10:42 AM)

I don't have a specific drill, but the objective of any training and game should be the ENJOYMENT of soccer. Creating a game where kids have fun is most important to their success in the future.

Dave (Farmington, UT)

Hey Girls;First off- Thanks for representing the greatest country in the world..Quick question: How do you two plan on preparing MENTALLY for games of this caliber. I imagine that it has to be daunting!

Brandi Chastain

  (10:43 AM)

Everybody has their own personal pre-game ritual. We call IPZ. Some listen to music, some sing and dance around the locker room. some clean their shoes. You just have to find that thing that makes you most comfortabe and do it.

Heather Mitts

  (10:44 AM)

We've got to run. Thanks for all your questions and support. Hopefully you'll watch us in our quest for the Gold!!

Brandi Chastain

  (10:45 AM)

Thanks again everybody! Peace!

Moderator

  (10:46 AM)

Take care soccer fans! Thanks for your comments!