Abby Wambach

Name: Mary Abigail “Abby” Wambach

Introduction: Abby Wambach is an American retired professional soccer player, coach, and activist. She is one of the most prolific goalscorers in international soccer history and a legendary figure in women’s sports, known for her powerful headers, clutch performances, and leadership on the U.S. Women’s National Team.

Date of birth: June 2, 1980

Height: 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m)

Place of birth: Rochester, New York, U.S. (She was raised in the Rochester suburb of Pittsford).

Family:

Parents’ names: Pete Wambach and Judy Wambach.
Siblings: She is the youngest of seven siblings, with two sisters (Beth and Laura) and four brothers (Peter, Matthew, Patrick, Andrew).
Spouse: Glennon Doyle (m. 2017), an American author and activist. She was previously married to Sarah Huffman (m. 2013; div. 2016).
Children: She is a “bonus mom” (stepmother) to Glennon Doyle’s three children from her previous marriage: Chase, Tish, and Amma.
Relatives: Her parents and six siblings.

Profession: Former professional soccer player (forward), coach, author, public speaker, activist.

Nationality: American

Religion: She has publicly spoken about healing from religious trauma experienced as a child and has found spirituality outside of traditional organized religion.

College or university attended: University of Florida (graduated 2001 with a bachelor’s degree). She set multiple school records for goals, assists, and points.

Biography and What Famous For:

Abby Wambach began playing soccer at age four, and her talent was immediately evident. She played high school soccer at Our Lady of Mercy in Rochester, New York, and went on to a stellar college career at the University of Florida, where she broke numerous records and led her team to the NCAA Final Four.

She was drafted second overall by the Washington Freedom of the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA) in 2002. She joined the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) in 2001.

Abby Wambach is most famous for her extraordinary international soccer career and her impact on the sport:

All-Time Leading Scorer in International Soccer (formerly): At the time of her retirement in 2015, she was the all-time leading goal scorer for any male or female in international soccer history, with 184 goals in 255 appearances. This record has since been surpassed by Christine Sinclair of Canada.
Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist: She was a key player in the USWNT’s gold medal victories at the 2004 Athens Olympics (scoring the game-winning goal in overtime against Brazil in the final) and the 2012 London Olympics (where she was a leading scorer). She missed the 2008 Olympics due to injury.
FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion (2015): After playing in four World Cups, she finally achieved her dream of winning the World Cup in 2015, helping the USWNT secure their third title. She also played in the 2003 (bronze), 2007 (bronze), and 2011 (silver) World Cups.
Her Iconic Headers: Wambach was renowned for her aerial prowess, consistently scoring crucial goals with powerful headers. Her 122nd-minute equalizing header against Brazil in the 2011 World Cup quarterfinals is considered one of the most dramatic goals in soccer history.
FIFA World Player of the Year (2012): She was recognized as the world’s best female player in 2012, becoming the first American to win the award since Mia Hamm.
Leadership and Resilience: Known for her fierce competitiveness, never-give-up attitude, and leadership on the field, she was a vocal presence and an inspiration to her teammates.

After retiring from soccer in 2015, Wambach has become a prominent voice for equality and inclusion, a best-selling author, and a public speaker. Her memoir, “Forward,” was a New York Times bestseller. She is an outspoken advocate for gender equality in sports and beyond, and she co-founded the organization Together Rising with her wife, Glennon Doyle.

Have participated:

Professional Soccer Clubs:

Washington Freedom (WUSA: 2002-2003, WPS: 2009-2010)
magicJack (WPS: 2011)
Western New York Flash (NWSL: 2013-2014)

U.S. Women’s National Team:

Senior Team (2001–2015)
U-21 Women’s National Team

Major International Competitions:

FIFA Women’s World Cup: 2003 (Bronze), 2007 (Bronze), 2011 (Silver), 2015 (Gold)
Olympic Games: 2004 Athens (Gold), 2012 London (Gold)

Awards and Honors (Selected):

FIFA World Player of the Year (2012)
U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year (6 times: 2003, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2013)
National Soccer Hall of Fame (2019 inductee)
ESPY Award for Best Female Athlete (2015)
ESPY Award for Best Comeback Athlete (2012)
Included in the USWNT All-Time Best XI (2013)

Books: