How Hershey Shaped Christian Pulisic and US Soccer

Christian Pulisic, the most accomplished player on the United States men's national soccer team, carries the values of his hometown, Hershey, Pennsylvania, into the 2026 World Cup. His trajectory from a historic company town to global stardom underscores a broader truth about athletic development: sustainable success relies on community infrastructure and transatlantic exchange, not merely individual talent. As the USMNT prepares to face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32, Pulisic's roots offer a compelling case study in how civic investment and internationalist perspectives shape sporting excellence.

What role does community infrastructure play in athletic development?

Hershey is widely recognized as the Sweetest Place on Earth, a moniker derived from its chocolate-drenched origins. Founded in 1903 by Milton S. Hershey, the community was built upon a foundation of civic philanthropy, including homes for workers, a hotel, and a theme park. More than 120 years later, the Hershey Company remains the economic engine of the town. Yet, the community's social capital now extends beyond corporate paternalism, manifesting in the grassroots development of the soccer player nicknamed Captain America.

Pulisic's connection to his hometown is profound.