Guide Note

Abby Wambach is a professional soccer player for the U.S. Women's National Team. On July 16, 2008, Wambach fractured her leg during an exhibition match versus Brazil. Due to the severity of the injury, she will not be able to participate in the 2008 Olympics.¹

Fast Facts

1. Born: June 2, 1980, in Rochester, New York
2. Attended: Our Lady of Mercy High School
3. 1997: National High School Player of the Year and Gatorade New York Player of the Year
4. College: University of Florida
5. Position: Forward
6. 2001: Named SEC Player of the Year
7. 2002: Drafted by the Washington Freedom of the WUSA
8. Named the WUSA Rookie of the Year
9. 2003: Scored three goals in the Women's World Cup²
10. 2004: Named the 2004 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year²

July 16, 2008: Abby Wambach suffered a fractured tibia and fibula after a violent collision with a Brazilian player during an international friendly soccer match. Surgery was scheduled for the following day, and Wambach will reportedly be out for twelve weeks, missing the entire 2008 Olympic Games.³

"I want to thank all the fans, the doctors, the players on the team and Tasha Kai for scoring the winning goal. Obviously, it's devastating, but above everything else, I'm only one player, and you can never win a championship with just one player. I have the utmost confidence in this team bringing home the gold." - Abby Wambach, from emergency room⁴