Michelle Akers first received national recognition as a three time All American at Seattle’s Shorecrest High School. Then, she became a four time All American at the University of Central Florida and, in 1988, the inaugural winner of the women’s Hermann Trophy as the top female college soccer player.

However, Ms. Akers is best known for her accomplishments at the international level. She was an original member of the US Women’s National Team, scoring the team’s first goal in 1985 in a 2-2 tie against Denmark. During the first FIFA Women’s World Cup played in 1991, Akers exploded for ten goals, won the Golden Boot as the Tournament’s top scorer and scored both goals in the Final, a 2-1 win over Norway, making the United States World Champion.