Abby Wambach wins Associated Press 2011 Female Athlete of the Year

The 31-year-old forward captured the imaginations of Americans across the nation as her headed shot sparked a upset victory over Brazil in the 2011 World Cup quarterfinals.

Dec 20, 2011 11:29:00 AM

More On :  United States Women, Abby Wambach
Abby Wambach, USA Women, 2011 Women's World Cup
Boris Streubel
Abby Wambach continues to make history for women's soccer in the United States.

The 31-year-old forward has won the Associated Press' 2011 Female Athlete of the Year award, becoming the first individual soccer player-man or woman- to ever win the honor.

Wambach won the award outright receiving 65 of the 214 votes cast by members of The AP. United States teammate Hope Solo (38 votes) was a distant second and UConn basketball player Maya Moore (35) was third.

Wambach's 13 goals in three World Cup appearances is the most by any American and third on the all-time scoring list.


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