Headed by Michelle Akers, our GOAT, Stephanie Cox, Tina Frimpong-Ellerston, Leslie Osborne & Lindsay Tarpley they will narrow the field to half of its current 10 to the final 5.
Nominations were submitted from Jan.11-March 1, for those aged 13-17, that exemplify the SheBeleives spirit, these Heroes are at the forefront of their area, a self assured and driven young woman who motivates those near her and strives to create a forward movement.
In taking a detour from the 4 past such competitions, this award is being given post tourney, allowing her to get to a different game. Given this time of Corona Virus Crisis, the deadline was extended, allowing for more entrants. Now this winner will receive a trip for two to an upcoming USWNT, not stated, but I am sure it would be one played here in the states?
This was born of the desire to increase the want and females across the generations to get to their destinations and hopes, on or off a field, court etc. First it was presented during the ramping up for the 2015 World Cup, now it has morphed into its own entity creating a unique link with the WNT and their rabid fan base, bringing the strong idea of strength and self assurance to areas across the land.
The Committee:
Michelle Akers: We were truly fortunate to capture the events of the day as she received a high honor at "The Walt', thee key note event of the USC Convention a few years back. The room as ever, chuck full of decades of soccer luminaries had an even more special vibe to it as she was bestowed this honor. thought by many as the best of the best in Global soccer, we concur, she brought her country to the 1991 World Cup trophy in China, getting both goals in topping Sweden 2-1. In her current state of GA, again they hit the pinnacle with Olympic Gold, the 99'ers, all but mythical at this point again had her at the helm as they took another World Cup in Pasadena at the Rose Bowl, it was full to the rim. She called it a career with 155 caps and 107 goals, are you kidding me? Alex Morgan eclipsed it on Feb. 24, and Michelle is now # 6 on the USWNT scoring list. In 1985, she hit for the first goal in USWNT history, 2000 saw her tabbed as co-Player of the Century by FIFA.
Stephanie Cox: 89 caps for the USWNT a gold in Olympic play in 2008, she also saw time in the 2007 & '11 World Cups. 2014 she had her last NT appearance, but now at 34, she is still very much in the game with OL Reign of the NWSL, she had retired in 2015, coming back to play in '19. While out of the league, she was with the Reign's coaching staff, and coaching the Gig Harbor HS girl's soccer team for 6 years. Cox was with the 2004, FIFA U-19 World Cup in Thailand and captained the 2006 U-20 World Cup in Russia.
Tina Frimpong-Ellerston: She was capped 34 times with a goal and a spot on the 2007 World Cup team. The top goal getter for Univ. of Washington was 2x the Pac-12 Player of the Year now is an asst. there as she has served for numerous USYNT's. She has been busy coaching at the HS and club level in the Northwest as well in her retirement from playing.
Leslie Osborne: How many hats has she worn since stopping play mother, social media darling, business person, entrepreneur she is all over social media with her many and varied interests. Leslie had 61 games with a trio of goals and a member of the 2007 World Cup Team. While on he initial USWYNT to be in a FIFA World Championship, they took the 2002 U-19 World Cup in Canada. She had a foot in the golden goal by the next committee member in taking that title over the host nation.
Lindsay Tarpley Snow: As mentioned she secured the win in 2002 at the U-19 World Cup, she had been with the YNT from the U-14 level.. With the senior team she had 125 games and 32 goals a very high percentage. Lindsay had a goal in the quarters of the 2008 Olympics, facing Brazil in the 2004 Olympic Final in Greece, as her team took home Gold, she was then on the 2007 World Cup team.