Abby Wambach

When I play soccer, I do it naturally. What most people don't know is that I am always fighting for the rights of women in sport, and equal rights for all. There were women before me that broke down barriers to allow me to do what I do today. I believe in paying things forward. Hopefully I can inspire young girls to keep playing and continue the movement.

I am a passionate about human rights. I believe that we all deserve to be respected and treated equally. It shouldn't matter if you are different color, height, ethnicity, gender, religion, or social class. I feel connected to those that feel this same passion.

I would love to see womens sports be treated equal to mens. By playing now and advocating for access globally, I am hoping to give young girls inspiration to keep the movement going forward. I know it will happen one day.

Hometown: Rochester, NY

College: Florida

On the field Abby has developed into one of the most dangerous strikers in the world since her debut in 2001. She has the best goals per game ratio in US History, 99 goals in 125 appearances. Her hard work has paid off as she was awarded US Soccer's Female Athlete of the Year 2007, 2004 and 2003 and has also finished 4th for FIFA Women's World Player of the Year in 2006 and finished 5th in 2007. New Women's Pro League (WPS) will launch in April of 2009 and Abby will be playing for Washington Freedom.

Off the field Abby likes to hike, mountain bike, surf, play the guitar, play video games and so much more. She is the youngest of 7 kids, four brothers and 2 sisters.

Some of the words that she uses to describe herself...Courageous, funny, determined and loyal.