A short-haired girl was disqualified from a Nebraska soccer tournament because organizers thought she looked like a boy.
Some consolation came as Mili’s story made national headlines: Some of her heroes chimed in.
Mia Hamm, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and the co-owner of the Los Angeles Football Club, invited Mili to a Team First Soccer Academy camp.
And Abby Wambach, who also has two gold medals and an affinity for short hair, held herself up as a role model.
“Mili,” she tweeted, “don’t EVER let anyone tell you that you aren’t perfect just as you are. i won championships with short hair.”