I've grown up watching Abby Wambach since the first days of lacing up my cleats 18 years ago. I began my soccer career in Upstate New York, in the same city where my girl started her career, one that would later become history. She is and forever will be my favorite athlete of all-time.
I have been lucky enough to witness her game in-person several times, during her college career with the University of Florida, as well as on the US Women's National Team. There are no words to describe watching her play. Every time I watch her, I'm in awe of her athleticism. Yes, many of my guy friends joke about her masculine appearance, but I tell you what, Abby Wambach is one of the most fit individuals, man or woman, that I have ever seen. She is fast and strong and I most definitely haven't seen many people with a higher vertical than her on the soccer field.
Aside from her pure physical strength, Abby knows the game of soccer. She has intuition that cannot be taught, always in the right place and reading the ball and players. She also has the physical and mental speed that many opponents and spectators cannot catch onto. I often find myself trying to figure out how she made the play happen so quickly (and often times, this was after she had scored a goal). The numbers in her career don't lie; she's made her impact on American....wait scratch that: INTERNATIONAL soccer....and will remain a key figure in the beautiful game forever.
Abby is the biggest team player that I know. I have never heard her speak about herself; it is always her talking about her teammates, her fans, her coaches, her friends and her family. She has inspired athletes and non-athletes alike, boys and girls, men and women. Abby Wambach is the kind of individual who when she speaks, you just want to listen to.
"I've never scored a goal in my life without getting a pass fro someone else." ~Abby Wambach
I'm just another huge, crazy, obsessed Abby Wambach fan amongst millions in this world. I was so incredibly lucky enough to grow up as a young female soccer player watching this young girl become a woman and make history through the game that I love. Even after that love was taken away from me in my early retirement, I was still inspired by Abby to push through that injury, as well as life's obstacles. Abby Wambach is the kind of person you draw strength from, aspiring to be tough like her, whether it was physically, mentally, or emotionally. Hell, if Abby can play with a bloody head, her eye swollen shut, or a broken foot, than I can most definitely get through that test.
I'll definitely be crying tomorrow, for so many reasons (especially since I cannot be at the game).
Abby, I hope you know that you've inspired this little 4 year-old soccer player. I hate that you will no longer be on the field but I look forward to seeing how you continue to share your passion with others.
Hail to the G.O.A.T.!!!!
Besos,
Haley
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