ESPN Body Issue: Hope Solo's Stock Will Never Be Higher Than Right Now

While I am sure Hope Solo wanted to win the World Cup over the summer, obviously it would be stupid to assume anything different.

But judging by the whirlwind tour that she's been on since getting back to the United States, it's hard to imagine that a win would have brought her any more popularity.

First of all, let's take a look at why she's in the ESPN Body issue. Sex sells. That's the society that we've lived in for an incredibly long time. There's no point in denying it, or beating around the bush.

Solo is a beautiful woman who obviously keeps her body in great physical shape. That's why she's in this issue. To a lesser extent, that's why she's on Dancing with the Stars. She's a great looking, photogenic woman with a great personality. 

And since we're on the subject, let's take a look at that personality. In the name Hope Solo would not have gotten a positive response.

People felt that she threw her team, specifically Brianna Scurry, under the bus after they lost to Brazil in the semifinals of the 2007 World Cup.

The last four years have gone a long way in changing that. Beyond the looks, the name Hope Solo will draw completely different responses. 

She's now seen as a great American and a leader of one of the more memorable women's soccer teams that the country has ever produced. Actually, short of 1999's champions, this is probably the top team, at least in terms of how memorable they are.

Lastly, Solo is very good at what she does. She's not just a photogenic, pretty face. She's not just a good, accessible personality. Solo is clearly one of the best goalies in the world. She won an Olympic Gold Medal in 2008 and finished in second place in the World Cup in 2011.

That's not a bad resume to have.

So, think about the total package. That's why ESPN pursued her for the Body issue. That's why Dancing with the Stars wanted her.

Solo has turned herself into an athlete with an extremely high stock. It may not get any lower any time soon, but it's hard to see Solo's star getting any bigger.