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Sky Blue FC

Rampone Named the 2009 Hint Water Sportswoman of the Year, Leads WPS All-Stars to Victory

August 30, 2009 - Women's Professional Soccer (WPS)
Sky Blue FC News Release


ST. LOUIS (Aug. 30, 2009) - Sky Blue FC's Christie Rampone capped the 2009 Women's Professional Soccer season this weekend on a triumphant note with a year-end award followed by a victory in the WPS All-Star Game presented by U.S. Coast Guard.

On Saturday night, the league announced its 2009 WPS Year-End Award winners during its Awards Gala and Rampone was named the 2009 Hint Water Sportswoman of the Year.

"It's been a truly amazing first year and I'm so thankful for the opportunity to play in WPS and that the league is back again," said Rampone after receiving the award.

On Sunday, Rampone joined forces with Sky Blue FC teammate Heather O'Reilly and the rest of the best of WPS to claim a 4-2 victory over Umeå IK of Sweden in the 2009 WPS All-Star Game at the Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park in Fenton, Mo. Rampone played the full 90 minutes as the WPS All-Stars recovered from an early 2-0 deficit.

The victorious weekend was a fitting end to a successful season for Rampone, who assumed the role of Sky Blue FC Player/Coach on July 30. The team's captain and defensive leader propelled Sky Blue FC to the WPS Championship with three victories on the road in an eight-day span including a 1-0 win over the Los Angeles Sol in the final.

OTHER WPS AWARD WINNERS:

2009 PUMA Golden Boot Award

Marta (F) Los Angeles Sol

2009 MedImmune Defender of the Year

Amy LePeilbet (D) Boston Breakers

"You can't be a good defender without your teammates so this is also an award for all my teammates. I've had some up and down years with my injuries and it's been great that I've had the opportunity once again with WPS to go out there and perform this year." - Amy LePeilbet

2009 AdvoCare Coach of the Year

Abner Rogers Los Angeles Sol

"I've very honored to win this award with the great group of coaches that we have in this league and I'm honored to have the chance to be the All-Star Game head coach." - Abner Rogers

2009 Coast Guard Goalkeeper of the Year

Hope Solo (GK) Saint Louis Athletica

"For a keeper, you don't want to have to make the tough save - so perhaps I have to organize my defense a little better. But I'm honored to win this and looking forward to a great game tomorrow." - Hope Solo

2009 Michelle Akers Player of the Year Award

Marta (F) Los Angeles Sol

"I'm very honored to receive this award. Each player in the league has it as their goal to try for an award like this. It's very special to be a pioneer in this league in the first season. It's been a great year and I look forward to many good years to come." - Marta

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Women's Professional Soccer Stories from August 30, 2009


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