MICHELLE AKERS NAMED "BEST FEMALE PLAYER EVER"

A $5,000 Check was Presented to Her Foundation During Special Ceremony at Honda Symposium

LOS ANGELES (December 18, 2000) - Michelle Akers, the heart and soul of the United States National Women's Team for more than a decade, has been recognized as the "Best Female Soccer Player Ever" by Fútbol de Primera.

The former National Team forward/midfielder received her award from Fútbol de Primera during a special presentation this morning as part of the 3rd Honda Symposium at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

As part of the ceremony, Futbol de Primera and American Honda Motor Company presented a check for $5,000 to Michelle's foundation, Soccer Outreach International, which she founded in order to help inspire youngsters from all backgrounds to become leaders.

Akers, who led the American side to two Women's World Cup Championships (1991, 1999) and one Olympic Gold Medal (1996), retired this year from the National Team after scoring 105 goals during her illustrious 15-year, 153-game career. She is one of only four female players ever to record more than 100 career goals in international play.

Last week, Michelle was named FIFA Women's Player of the Century as chosen by a special FIFA commission. In 1998, Akers received perhaps the game's highest honor, the FIFA Order of Merit, becoming the only woman and only American player to receive that prestigious award. She was also named CONCACAF Female Player of the Century in 1999.

"This award is an exceptional honor and I am extremely appreciative and grateful for the recognition of this honor," Akers said. "I must also say this would not have been possible had it not been for the incredible support, investment, and encouragement from a lot of people - my team, doctors, physical therapists, friends, and of course, my family. Without them, and the strength and courage my faith has provided for me over so many years and so much adversity, I would never have made it."

Former teammate Amy Allmann, an NBC commentator during the recent Sydney Olympics and the Women's National Team goalkeeper in the 1991 World Cup, made the presentation to Akers.

"For women's soccer to reach its current level of popularity, someone had to make it worth watching," said Allmann. "That someone made us sit on the edge of our seat every time she stepped out on the field. That someone was Michelle."

Akers was also joined today by her father and his wife, former teammate Joy Fawcett, and former teammate and current University of Washington women's head coach Lesle Gallimore, who all traveled specifically to attend today's ceremony.

Akers' international career came to an end this past August when she finally retired after battling injuries and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for several years. In all, she endured numerous concussions, more than a dozen knee surgeries, and broken cheekbone and related nasal surgery. Ultimately, it was a dislocated shoulder and her eight-year fight against Chronic Fatigue Syndrome that sidelined Akers for good at an international level.

"This is probably the most deserved recognition that any player could receive," said Alex Gutman, co-chairman of Futbol de Primera. "With all respect to the other fine women players in the history of the game, there is such a large gap between Michelle and the rest. For those that know soccer, this is obvious."