ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Nicole Aunapu Mann is unquestionably among the greatest players in Navy women's soccer history. Now, her out-of-this-world performances carry new meaning.

In 2013, Aunapu Mann was selected as one of eight members of NASA Astronaut Group 21, achieving a dream set shortly after earning her wings of gold a decade before.

The California native is one of only two four-time, first-team All-Patriot League selections ever produced by the program.

Playing under her maiden name, Nicole Aunapu, also excelled in the classroom, being named a first team Academic All-American by the College Sports Information Directors of America in 1997 and 1998. She was twice selected as Patriot League Women's Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

That drive and determination that made Aunapu Mann such a successful soccer player and midshipman at the Naval Academy has led to a distinguished post-graduate career. She received Marine Corps aviation as a service selection and wound up flying the F/A-18 Hornet.

Aunapu Mann logged more than 2,500 flight hours in 25 types of aircraft and 200 carrier landings, while flying 47 combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. She received two Air Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals in recognition of exemplary service.

She graduated as a member of Class 135 from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in July 2008. Col. Aunapu Mann made history in October 2022 when she served as commander of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft Endurance. She led an international crew of four astronauts that spent nearly six months at the International Space Station.

Aunapu Mann, who is registered with the Wailacki of the Round Valley Indian Tribes, became the first Indigenous woman to launch into orbit. She conducted two spacewalks totaling 14 hours, 2 minutes.

Aunapu Mann's journey began with a choice to play college soccer at the Naval Academy, inspired to cross the country by coach Carin Gabarra, a former All-American at the University of California, Santa Barbara and United States women's national team member.

"I was always interested in serving in the military because I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself and serve my country. I also really enjoyed math and science, so those two elements are why I wound up focusing on the service academies," Aunapu Mann said. "The final piece was Carin Gabarra, who was my idol as a kid. I watched Carin play soccer while growing up and had a poster of her on the wall of my bedroom. When I found out she was the head coach at the Naval Academy, it all came together."

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