Abby Wambach

Full Name: Mary Abigail Wambach
Profession: Soccer Player

Nationality:

Biography: Abby Wambach is an American soccer player, coach. An inductee into the National Soccer Hall of Fame, she is the all-time top scorer for the U.S. national team. She has earned further significant accolades, such as the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year and the FIFA World Player of the Year, as well as making her mark in four FIFA Women's World Cups and two Olympic Games.

Wambach's soccer career began at just four years old, and continued during her high school years. She honed her abilities, notably developing a powerful heading technique. Wambach excelled at the University of Florida, where she propelled the Gators to an NCAA championship and became the top scorer in the school's history.

Entering professional soccer with the Washington Freedom, Wambach made an immediate impact, earning the title of WUSA Rookie of the Year. Throughout her career, she continued to play domestically with teams such as magicJack and Western New York Flash, participating in the Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) and National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

On the international stage, Wambach debuted for the U.S. national team in 2001. Among her career's remarkable moments were a last-minute goal against Brazil in the 2011 World Cup, which won her the ESPY Award for Best Play, and guiding the U.S. to victory with Olympic gold medals in 2004 and 2012.

Following her retirement in 2015, Wambach shared her life experiences in her memoir, Forward, which was a New York Times bestseller. Married to author Glennon Doyle, Wambach engages in philanthropy and activism. Wambach's has been a staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, has pushed for gender equality in sports, and joined the ownership group for Angel City FC.

Despite personal challenges, including a DUI arrest and a battle with substance abuse, she has been candid about her struggles, using her story to encourage and support others. She has been honoured with a spot on the Time 100 list and an ESPY Icon Award.

Born: June 2, 1980
Birthplace: Rochester, New York, USA
Age: 44 years old

Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Monkey
Star Sign: Gemini