Viewers of the United States victory over Japan in the Women’s World Cup final — and there was a record number of them — couldn’t help but notice one emphatic fan in the stands.

This fan in an eagle costume has already won the World Cup – http://t.co/uuXFWo40L2 https://t.co/hP3PhS42Sd — For The Win (@ForTheWin) July 5, 2015

Full disclosure: I know the woman behind the bald eagle mask (we used to play roller derby together in Los Angeles, where she lives), and she generously agreed to talk to me about her new internet fame.

Who are you, Eagle Lady?

My name is Kelly Farrell and I love U.S. Soccer.

Do you prefer to be called Eagle Lady? Eagle Woman? Sheagle?

I think that’s up to the internet, I didn’t really plan to need a name. But I think Sheagle is my personal favorite. All three are better than Twitter’s favorite, “the guy in the eagle mask.’’

Pretty sure that's a woman “@HuffPostSports: This hilarious Eagle guy is every American today http://t.co/1tTlhL4ICr http://t.co/Q8xb8Dhghl” — Kibz (@Donhangani) July 5, 2015


Did you buy the eagle mask specifically for this event, or did you already own it? How long did it take to create your patriotic ensemble?

I got it about a month before we left for Vancouver. We knew we were front row, so we wanted something big. I think we achieved that… Although, I’ll assume that the people sitting behind me weren’t the biggest fans of their obstructed view.

Was it hot in the eagle mask?

YES. But the biggest issues were not being able to hear or see. My very patient fiancée was a great wrangler.

How long have you been a huge fan of the women’s soccer team and also of America?

My whole life, for both. I started playing when I was old enough to catch ball and was a goalkeeper through college. Soccer has been a huge part of my life and I think it’s one of the greatest athletic environments in the world. And America is pretty awesome, too.

World Cup eagle fan, you are everything — Neil Waggoner (@NeilWaggoner) July 6, 2015

Do you celebrate with vigorous fist pumps at every sporting event you watch, or just this one?

I’m more of a jumper-upper and high fiver… but with the mask, you can’t see around you. So in an effort not to take everyone out, my only option was the awkward upward punch. It’s growing on me.


When did you find out that you were internet famous and also, according to USA Today, that you won the World Cup? What’s that like?

Ha! We were leaving the stadium and the picture requests got a little more intense from other fans. Then a friend ran up to us and showed us the headline. It’s a bit of an out-of-body experience. Mostly because we had just finished witnessing our country win the F-ing World Cup, so after that, everything pales in comparison.

When the rest of the world has a nightmare I'm pretty sure this is what it looks like. pic.twitter.com/U5yxcknBEv — Evan Hill (@evanchill) July 6, 2015

What is next for the eagle costume?

The Sheagle head and I really want to get to Rio de Janeiro next month to cheer on America and see Ronda Rousey defend her title in Brazil. But other than that, every U.S. Soccer game possible and, of course, France 2019!

Do you think you are a more passionate fan than the crying Villanova piccolo girl?

Yes. But I think she has what it takes. I just win by default. Cheering for your country will always be on a different level.

How great was it to watch the women win the World Cup?

There aren’t words. The energy in that moment is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It was truly a dream come true.