Women's World Cup winners, the United States, were given a heroes' welcome as they began their celebration tour in Los Angeles.
The newly minted world champions took the stage in L.A. to a chorus of "U-S-A" chants and cheers from thousands of fans.
Jill Ellis, who has coached the team for just over a year, was the first to take the microphone, calling her team "a remarkable group of women".
"They epitomize what it is to be a team," Ellis said.
Once the microphone was passed to Megan Rapinoe, the festivities reached a new level as she introduced each player on the roster with individual backstories and nicknames.
"It feels great to be a world champion," Carli Lloyd, the winner of the Golden Ball, said as fans chanted "M-V-P" in front of the stage.
"I'm so proud to call this my team. Every day so far it feels great to wake up a world champion, and that feeling won't get old."
Lloyd led the team offensively with six goals in the tournament and hat-trick in the 5-2 final win over Japan. Abby Wambach, the world's all-time leading goalscorer, thanked Lloyd for her record contribution before recounting what was likely her final World Cup.
"I can't tell you what it's like to be a world champion," Wambach said. "Honestly it hasn't really sunk in. I can't believe it."
Fittingly, the team walked off the stage after leading the crowd in the popular "I believe that we will win" chant and a lively rendition of Queen's "We Are the Champions."
The next stop on the team's tour is New York City.
