A four-time All-American at the University of Central Florida, Michelle Akers was there from day one of the United States Women’s National Team in 1985. In fact, it was Akers who scored the first ever goal in international competition.
At the first Women’s World Cup in 1991, Akers was the tournament’s leading scorer with ten goals, and she led the U.S. to a Championship. The Americans were unable to repeat in 1995, but she was a large part of their win at the 1996 Olympics and the 1999 World Cup.
She also made history in 1998 when FIFA made her the first woman to win the FIFA Order of Merit, which is awarded annually to contributions to the game of soccer on and off the field. In 2002, along with China’s Sun Wen, Akers was named by FIFA as their first Female Player of the Century.
In the 15 years she played for the United States, Akers scored 105 goals for the United States, plying in 153 games.
We are proud to nominate Michelle Akers for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.
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