Former kindergarten teammates debut on the U.S. women’s national soccer team together

Sophia Smith and Jaelin Howell made their debuts for the U.S. women’s national soccer team in an exhibition game last week but it’s not the first time the athletes have played together.

About 15 years ago, the girls played together for the Timnath Twisters when they were in kindergarten.

The USWNT celebrated their reunion with an adorable example of the “how it started, how it’s going” meme.

How it started: How it’s going: https://t.co/t2AZGIiJJV

— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT)
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On the “started” side of the meme, the girls can be seen posing together during their Twister days, with folded arms and tough girl stares. On the current side, the pair are on the field for the USWNT, wearing their country’s jerseys and big smiles.

The tweet quickly went viral, with many congratulating the women on how far they’ve come.

That includes two-time Olympic gold medalist Abby Wambach, who replied to the tweet.

“Well @jaehowell18 and @sophsssmith this is the cutest thing ever!!!” she wrote. “Very cool moment. All the feels right here.”

Well @jaehowell18 and @sophsssmith this is the cutest thing ever!!! Very cool moment. All the feels right here. https://t.co/An8BSkMovw

— Abby Wambach (@AbbyWambach)
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Smith, who’s the youngest player on the national team, responded to Wambach with another picture from her childhood. This time, she’s posing beside Wambach herself.

“Well @AbbyWambach, you were a big reason this moment happened for me. you inspired me to follow my dreams. thank you. ” she wrote.

well @AbbyWambach, you were a big reason this moment happened for me. you inspired me to follow my dreams. thank yo… https://t.co/feVYlah8KX

— Sophia Smith (@sophsssmith)
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In a full circle moment, Wambach then shared a text message she received from her 14-year-old daughter, Tish. “SOPHIA SMITH TWEETED YOU,” she texted. “Edin showed me. I love her,” Tish wrote.

“She is one of the next stars of our national team and I couldn’t be more proud and happy to see her in red white and blue! Maybe one day she will take a picture with you and then you can post that picture when you get older?!!! So cool,” responded Wambach.

This is from my 14 year old daughter Tish! You are inspiring the next generation @sophsssmith keep it going :)))… https://t.co/f5Dl2tdzpZ

— Abby Wambach (@AbbyWambach)
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We love seeing women inspiring and supporting other women. The women’s national team is full of that.

Alex Morgan also made her return to the USWNT line up last week, too. The star forward made her first appearance for the national team since giving birth to her daughter, Charlie, in May.

Morgan shared an emotional post on Instagram, writing, “Wearing the crest is never taken for granted. Getting in my first USWNT game since having my daughter was a big milestone. Thankful to the other 11 moms who have paved the way on this team.”

If you’re looking for role models for your children, look no further than the U.S. women’s national soccer team. The women are clearly dedicated to their profession and to supporting and uplifting one another.