Abby Wambach

Mary Abigail Wambach, born June 2, 1980, is an American former professional soccer player, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and FIFA Women's World Cup champion. Renowned as one of the most dominant forwards in international soccer history, Wambach competed for the United States women's national team from 2001 to 2015. She earned National Soccer Hall of Fame honors, won the 2012 FIFA World Player of the Year award, and held the record for the most international goals scored by any player with 184 goals until 2020. Since retiring, she has become a bestselling author, public speaker, and advocate for equality.

About

Raised in Rochester, New York, Wambach was the youngest of seven children. She attended Our Lady of Mercy High School before earning an athletic scholarship to the University of Florida. Playing for the Florida Gators from 1998 to 2001 under head coach Becky Burleigh, she led the team to its first NCAA National Championship in 1998. During her college career, Wambach earned collegiate All-American honors four times and set university records for career goals and points.

Soccer Career

Wambach debuted for the U.S. national team in 2001 and built a reputation for powerful heading ability and clutch performances. She won Olympic gold medals in 2004 and 2012, scoring the game-winning goal in the 2004 gold medal match. During the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup quarterfinals, Wambach scored a famous 122nd-minute equalizer against Brazil. She capped her international career by winning the 2015 Women's World Cup in Canada. Domestically, she played professionally in the WUSA, WPS, and NWSL for clubs including Washington Freedom and Western New York Flash.

Business and Activism

Following her retirement in 2015, Wambach authored the bestselling memoirs Forward in 2016 and WOLFPACK in 2019, the latter inspired by her viral Barnard College commencement address on women's leadership. She is a featured speaker at corporate and educational conferences and serves as an investor in Angel City FC. Wambach also co-hosts the podcast Welcome to the Party alongside former teammate Julie Foudy, focusing on sports culture and current events.

Personal Life

Wambach married author and activist Glennon Doyle in May 2017. The couple resides in Los Angeles, California, where they raise Doyle's three children. Wambach remains active in advocacy, championing equal pay for female athletes, mental health initiatives, and LGBTQ+ representation.