WPS Presents 2009 Year-End Awards
August 29, 2009 - Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) News Release
ST. LOUIS, MO - On the penultimate day of the 2009 Women's Professional Soccer season, the league announced its 2009 WPS Year-End Award winners during its Awards Gala on the eve of the 2009 WPS All-Star Game presented by U.S. Coast Guard in St. Louis, MO.
The event was hosted by Fox Soccer Channel's Mark Rogondino and Jenn Hildreth and featured appearances by WPS Commissioner Tonya Antonucci, WPS Chief Operating Officer Mary Harvey and former President & GM of the Boston Breakers, Joe Cummings, who was honored for his contributions to WPS on-stage with a special WPS All-Star Game jersey in his name. Cummings takes over as Executive Director of the NSCAA in September.
Six categories were awarded on the night with each of the players making short speeches upon receiving the award in the following order: 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 Hint Water Sportswoman of the Year Christie Rampone (D) Sky Blue FC "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." - Christie Rampone.
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
Women's Professional Soccer Stories from August 29, 2009
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