Abby Wambach

Abby Wambach, forward for the U.S. National Women’s Soccer Team, retired on December 16. She played last game in New Orleans against China, where unfortunately the U.S. National Team lost 1-0. This was the first loss for the team on American soil in 104 games.

Wambach, 35, started from young age of five when she joined her first soccer club. After playing soccer and basketball throughout all four years of high school, she received many awards including the Gatorade Circle of Champions New York Player of the Year; she was one of USA Today’s national top 10 recruits in 1997 and ultimately attended the University of Florida.

I could go on for pages with all the awards that Wambach has won and statistics that are like no other. But sometimes it is not about what is on paper but how the player is as a person. For over a decade, Wambach has dominated the sports world. She has inspired millions of people around the world.

Wambach has retired, but not without leaving her mark. At Florida, which she attended from 1998 to 2001, she set the school record for goals (96), assists (50), points (242), game-winning goals (24) and hat tricks (10). Since her first international appearance in 2001 against Germany, Wambach has played in 255 games and scored 184 international goals. Her career highlights include four World Cups, two Olympics and becoming the leading international goal scorer.

It does not matter whether you play soccer or just watch a game now and then, everyone has heard of Abby Wambach. Her footwork, leadership skills and legendary headers will always be remembered. Each generation has a athlete that defines their time; whether it is soccer, football, baseball or any other sport, everyone has a different opinion on who is the best. There is no doubt the Wambach will leave a mark on her sport for a long time to come.

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