Team McCormick secured the first-ever women’s gold medal for the United States at the 2003 Ford World Curling Championship in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada with a thrilling 5-3 victory over Canada.  

The team was comprised of Debbie McCormick (Skip), Allison Pottinger (Third), Ann Swisshelm Silver (Second), Tracy Sachtjen (Lead), and Joni Cotten (Alternate). 

Team McCormick went into the final draw of round-robin play with a 6-4 record but defied the odds makers and upset front-runners Canada, who were undefeated before that game.  

The team played the championship game in front of a partisan crowd cheering for the home Canadian side. But the United States took the lead in the second end and held it throughout the game to claim Gold.  

“On behalf of the entire McCormick team, we are thrilled to be recognized by USA Curling for our historic win in 2003,” said Debbie McCormick. “Being part of a team that captured the first-ever World Women’s title for the United States was an experience none of us will ever forget, and one that we still remember fondly.” 

Not only did the team make history in 2003, but all the players have continued to work on behalf of the sport in the years that followed their memorable win.