local
Baylor's Michelle Lenard hoping to ride the wave of World Cup soccer fever
By By ZACH SMITH at Waco Tribune-Herald
· July 10, 2026
· 1 min read
Baylor soccer coach Michelle Lenard still gets chills thinking about the USWNT winning the 1999 World Cup. She's hoping the 2026 World Cup can have a similar effect this year.
Key takeaway She's hoping the 2026 World Cup can have a similar effect this year.
Why this matters in The Waco
The upcoming 2026 World Cup presents an opportunity for Baylor's soccer program to capitalize on renewed interest in the sport. Michelle Lenard's personal connection to the USWNT's 1999 World Cup victory suggests she understands the potential for a trickle-down effect, where success at the international level boosts participation and enthusiasm locally. As the World Cup approaches, Baylor's soccer team may see an increase in attendance and community engagement, potentially inspiring a new generation of young players in the Waco area. The university's soccer program could also leverage this momentum to foster growth and development, possibly leading to increased investment in local soccer infrastructure and youth programs. By riding the wave of World Cup fever, Lenard and her team may be able to make a lasting impact on the sport in Waco.
About this story
Original reporting by Waco Tribune-Herald . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Waco Tribune-Herald . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 10, 2026 ·
Source: Waco Tribune-Herald ·
Reading time: 1 min
Get more The Waco stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Baylor soccer coach Michelle Lenard still gets chills thinking about the USWNT winning the 1999 World Cup. She's hoping the 2026 World Cup can have a similar effect this year.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 10, 2026 by Waco Tribune-Herald and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by By ZACH SMITH at Waco Tribune-Herald. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter