Michelle Akers facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Michelle Akers

Personal information
Date of birth	(1966-02-01) February 1, 1966 (age 59)
Place of birth	Santa Clara, California, U.S.
Height	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Playing position	Midfielder, forward
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1990	Tyresö FF	18	(8)
1992	Tyresö FF
1992	Orlando Lions Women	29	(8)
1994	Tyresö FF	19	(3)
National team
1985–2000	United States	155	(107)
Teams managed
2022	Orlando Pride (assistant)
Honours Women's soccer Representing  United States Olympic Games Gold 1996 Atlanta Team competition FIFA Women's World Cup Gold 1991 China Team competition Gold 1999 USA Team competition Bronze 1995 Sweden Team competition
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Michelle Anne Akers (born February 1, 1966) is a famous American soccer player. She is known for her amazing skills on the field. Michelle helped the United States win two FIFA Women's World Cups. These wins happened in 1991 and 1999. She also helped the team win a gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics.

In the 1991 World Cup, Michelle was the top scorer. She scored ten goals and won the Golden Shoe award. Many people believe she is one of the greatest female soccer players ever. In 2002, she was named FIFA Female Player of the Century. She shared this award with Sun Wen from China. In 2004, she and Mia Hamm were the only two women chosen for the FIFA 100 list. This list named the 125 greatest living soccer players. It was picked by the legendary player Pelé. Michelle Akers was also inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2004.

Early Life and Soccer Journey

Michelle Akers was born in Santa Clara, California, on February 1, 1966. She grew up in Shoreline, Washington. There, she played soccer for Shorecrest High School. Early in her career, she learned an important lesson. After losing a game, her father asked her if she had fun. When she said yes, she realized that fun was the real reason she played. This helped her become a very strong and determined player.

Michelle was named an All-American three times in high school. She was tall and strong, which helped her play in a powerful way.

Playing for the University of Central Florida

Michelle Akers received a scholarship to the University of Central Florida. She was chosen as an NCAA All-American four times. In 1988–89, she was named Central Florida's Athlete of the Year. She became the top scorer in the university's history. In 1988, she won the Hermann Trophy. This award goes to the best college soccer player in the nation. Her jersey number 10 was retired by the school. This means no other player at UCF will wear that number.

Michelle Akers' International Career

Michelle Akers was part of the first-ever game for the United States women's national soccer team (USWNT). This game took place in Italy in August 1985. She scored the first goal in the team's history. This happened in their second international game against Denmark.

From 1985 to 1990, Michelle scored 15 goals for the U.S. team. In 1991, she scored a team-record 39 goals. The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) named her Female Athlete of the Year in 1990 and 1991.

Winning the First World Cup

Michelle was the top scorer in the first 1991 FIFA Women's World Cup in China. She scored ten goals, including five in one game! This led the U.S. women's team to win their first world championship. They beat Norway 2–1 in the final game. Michelle scored both goals for the U.S. in that final match.

Throughout her career, Michelle faced health challenges. She often thought about stopping soccer. But she always kept playing in important games for the U.S. team. After the 1991 World Cup, she changed her position. She moved from a forward to a central midfielder. This helped her avoid some of the tough hits from opposing players. Even with this change, she got a concussion and a knee injury in the 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Olympic Gold and Second World Cup Win

In 1996, Michelle was on the U.S. team at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. The team won the first-ever gold medal in Olympic Women's Soccer. She played with a torn knee ligament. She was a key player in the midfield, helping the team's defense. She also helped create scoring chances. After the Olympics, her knee needed surgery for the third time.

In 1998, she was part of the team that won gold at the 1998 Goodwill Games. On June 7, 1998, she received the FIFA Order of Merit. This is FIFA's highest honor in soccer. Michelle was the first woman ever to get this award.

Michelle was a leader on the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup team. The team won their second World Cup championship that year. Even with a dislocated shoulder, she was given the Bronze Ball award. This award recognized her as one of the best players in the tournament.

Michelle Akers retired from soccer before the 2000 Summer Olympics. She retired due to injuries from the 1999 World Cup. She was the U.S. national team's second all-time leading scorer. She had 105 goals and 37 assists.

Coaching and Personal Life

On January 19, 2022, the Orlando Pride soccer team announced Michelle Akers as an assistant coach. She worked under head coach Amanda Cromwell. She also helped players develop their skills and worked with the community.

Michelle Akers was married from 1990 to 1994. She was known as Michelle Akers-Stahl then. She married again in 2003 and had a son. As of 2011, she lives near Atlanta, Georgia, with her son Cody. They live on a small farm. There, she helps rescue horses and works for animal welfare.

Since retiring from playing in 2000, Michelle has continued to promote soccer. She works as a spokesperson and leader for the sport.

See also

• List of women's footballers with 100 or more international goals
• List of Olympic medalists in football
• List of 1996 Summer Olympics medal winners
• List of players with the most goals in an association football game
• 1985 United States women's national soccer team
• List of University of Central Florida alumni
• List of athletes on Wheaties boxes
• List of Golden Scarf recipients
• List of prizes named after people