After weeks surrounded by nonstop soccer, Heather Jordan says the excitement of the FIFA World Cup still has not worn off.The Pleasantville native called seven matches before crowds of about 68,000, a role she described as “magical” and unforgettable.Jordan’s path to the World Cup began more than a decade ago in sports announcing at Drake University. Since then, she has built a career in public address announcing and broadcasting, eventually earning a secret invitation to join the tournament.“I couldn’t announce it to anybody,” Jordan laughed. “Only my parents and a few people in my family knew I was doing this.” One of her most memorable moments of the tournament came when she announced a goal by Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo.“The whole place was just shaking when he scored,” Jordan said. “That was definitely a moment I will never forget.”Jordan said the experience meant even more because she was the only solo female stadium announcer at this year’s World Cup, a rare role in a male-dominated field.“It’s just been really, really cool to step into that spot and represent so many people, especially women and girls,” she said.She hopes her story resonates with young people in Iowa, especially those growing up in small towns.“A lot of times people who live in small-town Iowa think it’s really hard to get out of small-town Iowa,” Jordan said. “But if you have a dream and you’re confident, you can do anything.”Jordan, who now lives in Los Angeles, said she hopes the World Cup is only the beginning. She is aiming for future opportunities, including the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and the Women’s World Cup in Brazil.» Subscribe to KCCI’s YouTube page» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play

DES MOINES, Iowa —

After weeks surrounded by nonstop soccer, Heather Jordan says the excitement of the FIFA World Cup still has not worn off.

The Pleasantville native called seven matches before crowds of about 68,000, a role she described as “magical” and unforgettable.

Jordan’s path to the World Cup began more than a decade ago in sports announcing at Drake University. Since then, she has built a career in public address announcing and broadcasting, eventually earning a secret invitation to join the tournament.

“I couldn’t announce it to anybody,” Jordan laughed. “Only my parents and a few people in my family knew I was doing this.”

One of her most memorable moments of the tournament came when she announced a goal by Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo.

“The whole place was just shaking when he scored,” Jordan said. “That was definitely a moment I will never forget.”

Jordan said the experience meant even more because she was the only solo female stadium announcer at this year’s World Cup, a rare role in a male-dominated field.

“It’s just been really, really cool to step into that spot and represent so many people, especially women and girls,” she said.

She hopes her story resonates with young people in Iowa, especially those growing up in small towns.

“A lot of times people who live in small-town Iowa think it’s really hard to get out of small-town Iowa,” Jordan said. “But if you have a dream and you’re confident, you can do anything.”

Jordan, who now lives in Los Angeles, said she hopes the World Cup is only the beginning. She is aiming for future opportunities, including the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and the Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

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