Michelle Akers 1966-
Soccer Champion
Michelle Akers grew up with a passion for soccer. She earned a scholarship to the University of Central Florida because of her athletic ability and skill with a soccer ball. After graduation, Akers played professional soccer in Sweden.
In 1985, Akers joined the United States Women's National soccer team. She led her team to two World Cup Championships in 1991 and 1999. Women's soccer became part of the Olympics for the first time in 1996. That year, Akers and her team won the gold medal.
Battles on the soccer field are not the only challenges that Akers has faced. She has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This is a disease that makes people extremely tired and weak. Amazingly, Akers still became the top female soccer player in the world.
Akers retired from soccer in 2000. Since then, she has written several books. Akers also founded Soccer Outreach International. She started this group to teach children leadership skills through the game of soccer.
Critical Thinking
What other skills might children learn through playing a sport?