The last time that the United States Women’s National Soccer team won a FIFA World Cup, Abby Wambach was still in Gainesville, fresh off an All-SEC freshman season and helping lead the Florida Gators to their first (and currently only) NCAA National Championship.
The dream was set in place for the former number one women’s soccer recruit in the country.
After finishing her career at the University of Florida as the Gators all team leading scorer and four time SEC champion, she went on to take her place in national soccer scene. And with her latest accomplishment, she has very possibly cemented a legacy as one of, if not the greatest women’s soccer player of all time.
Playing in her fourth FIFA World Cup, the 5’11” forward finally lifted the trophy herself as the United States beat Japan 5-2.
Despite scoring only one goal in the tournament and entering the final match in the 79th minute, Wambach has often been referenced as the heart and soul of the national team, especially as she pushed her team during what she had already decided would be her last FIFA World Cup.
Her place and legacy were on display when U.S. captain Christie Rampone had Wambach join her as the last ones on stage and the first to lift the trophy, saying it was something they needed to do together.
Other teammates agreed, as seen when Carli Lloyd, who had been acting as on field captain, insisted on passing the role on to Wambach when she entered in that 79th minute.
“She is the captain of this team, along with Christie Rampone,” Lloyd told ESPNw, “and I didn’t feel good about myself not giving it up to her. I’m thinking this is her last World Cup, and for me to put the armband back on her arm was something she deserves.”
Wambach has had a long history of success. From a three time All-American, SEC freshman of the year and two time SEC player of the year with Becky Burleigh and the Florida Gators, to being a six time U.S. Soccer Athlete of the year and the current all-time goal scorer for the national team along with being the record holder for international goals (184), amongst men and women.
She’s won two Olympic gold medals, been named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People and been inducted into the University of Florida Athletics Hall of Fame.
And now Abby Wambach can add World Cup champion to that list, further making the case for this former Florida Gator as a soccer legend.
Good write-up.
I’d have to go review some history, but Wambach may be on par with or perhaps surpassed Tracy Caulkins. Both are the best females in their respective sports in UF history.