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Published the first Tuesday of each month by the College of Letters and Science at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
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Olivia McDaniel, a UWM communication alumna, and her sister, UWM alumna Chandler McDaniel, played on the Philippines National Team in the Women’s World Cup in 2023.
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The McDaniel sisters reflect on their games on the world stage and discuss their start in soccer.
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The Philippine women’s soccer team fell just short of qualifying for the Olympics in 2024.
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Olivia McDaniel admits she was pretty nervous when she stepped into goal for her World Cup match in July. “It was a really huge field and there was all the hype, but the minute you step on the field you think, ‘It’s just soccer, it’s just another game.’” McDaniel and her sister, Chandler, both 2020 UWM alumnae, helped make soccer history for the Philippines women’s soccer team in this summer’s World Cup. Their mother, Lindy, is Filipina, which made them eligible for the national team. The McDaniel sisters, who both played soccer for UWM, helped the Philippines team qualify for the World Cup for the first time. Then, goalie Olivia became a star in the team’s first-ever World Cup victory with a 1-0 victory over co-host New Zealand on July 25. She made a spectacular save on a shot near the end of the game that would have tied the score. McDaniel was named player of the game, the first time that award was given to a goalkeeper at this year’s World Cup. It was amazing that the Philippines made the World Cup; it was stunning to win a match there. While the team didn’t advance, the McDaniel sisters were thrilled to have the experience on the world soccer stage at one of the largest events in sports. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime thing,” Chandler said. “It was surreal. Every little soccer player dreams of growing up and playing in the World Cup. It was just a terrific experience overall.” Starting as ‘little littles’
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2 • IN FOCUS • January, 2024
Olivia and Chandler started playing soccer as “little littles” growing up in California, Olivia recalled. “We’ve been playing for as long as we can remember.” Their dad, Clint, is a soccer coach, and their brother, Griffin, also plays soccer.
