Mia Hamm On The Spot

The most famous U.S. women's soccer player, Hamm, 33, is entering semi-retirement. But she's not taking it easy. The Chapel Hill, N.C., native has signed on as Vitamin Shoppe's first celebrity spokesperson, working to raise awareness for its "Health Kick America" initiative. She runs the Mia Hamm Foundation, which raises funds and awareness about bone marrow diseases and promotes opportunities in sports for young women. Hamm is an advertising veteran, having appeared in spots for Gatorade and Nike (most famously with Michael Jordan), among other companies. Q: Why did you choose to be the Vitamin Shoppe's first celebrity spokesperson? A: When they came to me, one of the things we talked about was having a consistent message. I'm kind of in retirement. It seems like the consistent message that I'm helping promote is health and wellness—not just with Vitamin Shoppe, but with a couple of my other sponsors. It just fell in line. The other thing is, I appreciated the fact that Vitamin Shoppe really wanted to educate people about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. Not just for us as consumers, but also as employees. It's not just showing up for work every day, it's about believing in what you're doing and trying to make a difference in a positive way in someone's life. What have you learned about the advertising process since you've started?It's a lot of hurry up and wait. But you also understand that, just like with what I do, a lot of people sit there and just see the finished project with regards to the game. There's a lot of work that goes into that, into trying to fine-tune your skills and make things work. And also, the people that are shooting, this is what they do for a living. They take a great deal of pride in making sure that it's perfect. At the same time, shooting Vitamin Shoppe was pretty easy on my end. I show up. They tell me what to do and I do it, and try to do it the best I can.What's been your favorite experience in the commercial world?I've thing I've been very fortunate to work with wonderful companies. Anything from doing stuff with Nike and my teammates to Gatorade and the "Me and Michael" stuff.What about your least favorite moment?I never liked the shoots where I got really drenched in water and it was cold outside. And that seemed to happen a lot, because of the visual effect of seeing water and sweat drip down—I think people really love that.Was that for Gatorade or Nike?Different groups. Gatorade, most of the time it was pretty warm. But Nike, a couple times I was outside drenched in water. But when you see the finished product and it was pretty cool, you're like, "Okay, that wasn't so bad."Is there anyone else out there who you think does a good job as a spokesperson?Those ONE campaign ads, I think, were shot really well. It's simple: You have people just in white T-shirts and a black background, but the lighting is amazing, and there's such power to what they're saying. And there are ones that are really funny. I think the ones out with Peyton Manning for MasterCard running now are really funny. You're involved in a lot of philanthropic things. Why do you think that's important?There's always someone who's in a situation that's worse than what we have, and I think as a society we have an obligation and responsibility to help people. I saw my parents were always doing something for other people, and they continue to, whether it's volunteering or supporting a certain cause.Who is one person you're dying to work with?Bono. I just think that here is a guy who not only talks the talk, but walks the walk. He wants to make a difference every single day, and he tries to find a way. And he doesn't have to do what he does anymore. He's basically pursued something he absolutely loves to do as a vehicle to empower more people to make a positive change.What's the smartest business decision you've ever made?I think staying with soccer. I love what I do.What about the dumbest?Probably just being in the '80s—it is always a bad business decision if the styles and haircuts come back to haunt you.What are three words you'd use to describe yourself?Intense, loyal and emotional.What about three words other people would use to describe you?Intense, emotional and competitive.What's your biggest fear in life?Letting the people that I care about and who care about me down.What do you consider the greatest accomplishment of your life so far?What gives me the biggest thrill is when I'd walk into stadiums and some girl would be wearing my jersey. That's just pretty awesome; that means you've touched someone's life. And hopefully, then moving forward, they'd find some strength in that.What's your biggest pet peeve?When the national anthem is playing, and people start talking and walking around. What is the most important thing you learned from your parents?Unconditional love. The power of that. What do you do when you're not working?I relax. I need to take a little more time off now.

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Mia Hamm On The Spot

Mae Anderson

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Mae Anderson