Many people have no idea who Kristine Lilly is while I've been following her career for the last 15 years. She is one of the best women's soccer players to ever don the United States uniform. Not only did she dress for a record 352 games, but she scored 130 goals, second only to Mia Hamm. "She is the only player to appear for the United States in four different decades and is both the youngest and oldest player to ever score a goal for the USA. She is also the oldest player ever to earn a cap by more than three years over long-time teammate Joy Fawcett," (ussoccer.com).
Michelle Akers has always been my favorite player, but Lilly is one of those consistent warriors I admire. During high school many would say I was slightly obsessed with the U.S. women's national team collecting tons of memorabilia and following the team like a crazed Bieber fever fan. After college while working with the Carolina Courage in the WUSA, I saw women's professional soccer players on a different level and Lilly just continued to prove her hero status. Nearly all of the players from the magical 1999 Women's World Cup Championship have retired (Christie Rampone and Tiffeny Milbrett are the only active players), but there's something about Lilly's retirement that truly marks the end of an era.
To Kristine: Thank you... Thank you for paving the way... Thank you for giving back... Thank you for continuing the fight... Thank you for making a difference.
Michelle Akers has always been my favorite player, but Lilly is one of those consistent warriors I admire. During high school many would say I was slightly obsessed with the U.S. women's national team collecting tons of memorabilia and following the team like a crazed Bieber fever fan. After college while working with the Carolina Courage in the WUSA, I saw women's professional soccer players on a different level and Lilly just continued to prove her hero status. Nearly all of the players from the magical 1999 Women's World Cup Championship have retired (Christie Rampone and Tiffeny Milbrett are the only active players), but there's something about Lilly's retirement that truly marks the end of an era.
To Kristine: Thank you... Thank you for paving the way... Thank you for giving back... Thank you for continuing the fight... Thank you for making a difference.
ussoccer.com is filled with highlights and memories for any other addicts looking for a fix.
Other news outlets covering the story...
... ESPN blog
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