Born: 1966 (Santa Clara, California)
Biography:
Michelle Anne Akers (formerly Akers-Stahl; born February 1, 1966) is an American former soccer player who is widely recognized for her exceptional talent and achievements in the sport. Akers rose to prominence during the 1991 and 1999 Women’s World Cup and 1996 Olympics victories with the United States. Considered one of the greatest female football players in history, she left an indelible mark on the sport.
Akers’ remarkable career began to take shape in the early 1990s. At the 1991 Women’s World Cup, she made a significant impact by winning the Golden Shoe as the tournament’s top scorer, with an incredible ten goals to her name. This achievement solidified her status as one of the most potent players in the game. Akers’ exceptional skills, both as a goal scorer and a team player, helped propel the United States to victory in the tournament.
Recognizing Akers’ immense talent and contributions, she was named FIFA Female Player of the Century in 2002. This prestigious award, which she shared with China’s Sun Wen, acknowledges her outstanding ability, dedication, and overall impact on the sport. Akers’ immense influence on women’s soccer was further underscored in 2004 when she and Mia Hamm were the sole women selected for the FIFA 100, a list of the 125 greatest living soccer players chosen by Pelé and commissioned by FIFA for its centenary.
Akers’ incredible career was celebrated once again in 2004 when she was inducted into the (U.S.) National Soccer Hall of Fame. This honor, bestowed upon her alongside Paul Caligiuri and Eric Wynalda, recognized Akers’ exceptional achievements, skill, and lasting impact on the sport. Her induction further solidified her position as a trailblazer and a pioneer for women in soccer.
Early Life:
Michelle Akers was born on February 1, 1966, in Santa Clara, California, to parents Robert and Anne Akers. She spent her formative years in the Seattle, Washington suburb of Shoreline, where she attended Shorecrest High School. It was during her time here that her love for soccer began to blossom.
At first, Akers was unsure about committing herself to the demanding training required to excel in the sport. However, following a particularly challenging youth game, where she walked off the field in tears after a loss, her father posed a crucial question: Did you have fun In realizing that the enjoyment of the game was her true motivation, Akers found the determination to become the fierce competitor she would eventually be known as.
During her high school career, Akers’ exceptional skills earned her the recognition of being named an All-American three times. Her imposing physical presence, standing at 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and weighing 150 pounds (68 kg), combined with her aggressive and physical style of play, made her a formidable force on the soccer field.
University of Central Florida:
Akers received a scholarship to attend the University of Central Florida (UCF), where she continued to excel in the sport. Her talents were evident as she achieved the remarkable feat of being selected as a four-time NCAA All-American. In addition to her All-American honors, Akers was named Central Florida’s Athlete of the Year in 1988–89, further solidifying her status as one of the university’s most exceptional athletes.
During her time at UCF, Akers etched her name in the school’s history books. She became the all-time leading scorer in UCF history, a testament to her unparalleled skill and goal-scoring prowess. Akers’ extraordinary abilities were recognized when she received the prestigious Hermann Trophy in 1988, which is awarded to the nation’s top college soccer player. To commemorate her achievements, UCF retired her jersey, forever honoring her contributions to the university and women’s soccer.
International Career:
Akers’ impact on women’s soccer extended to the international stage. She made her debut for the United States women’s national soccer team (USWNT) in 1985, marking the team’s first-ever game at a tournament in Italy. Though she was unable to play in that initial game due to an ankle injury, Akers made her mark in the USWNT’s second-ever international game against Denmark. She scored the first goal in the history of the program, playing an integral role in the team’s 2–2 draw.
Throughout her international career, Akers continued to demonstrate her exceptional goal-scoring ability. From 1985 to 1990, she scored an impressive 15 goals in 24 games. However, it was the 1991 season that truly showcased Akers’ unparalleled talent, as she netted a remarkable 39 goals in only 26 games, establishing a team record that still stands today.
Awards:
– Golden Shoe at the 1991 Women’s World Cup
– FIFA Female Player of the Century (shared with Sun Wen)
– Inductee into the (U.S.) National Soccer Hall of Fame (2004)
– Named to the FIFA 100 (2004)
Michelle Akers’ awe-inspiring achievements, relentless determination, and immense impact on women’s soccer will forever be remembered and celebrated. Her contributions have paved the way for future generations of female soccer players, leaving an enduring legacy on the sport.