Your USSF Female Athlete of the Year

The United States Soccer Federation released the names of the winners of the Male and Female Athlete of the Year yesterday, and while the Male winner (some guy named Landon) was an easy decision, the Female winner took some people by surprise. Hope Solo became the first GK to win the award after having lead the Saint Louis Athletica to 2nd place in WPS and earning MVP honors at the Algarve Cup in taking the US to a championship. In 6 matches for the USWNT during 2009, Solo allowed only 1 goal and has been a vocal leader as they move towards the 2011 World Cup.

Interestingly, she scored 109 goals in high school as a forward, and didn’t move to GK until her time at the University of Washington. She finished as the Huskies’ all-time leader in clean sheets, saves, and goals against average. After being drafted in the WUSA, she played in Sweden and France (for Olympique Lyonnais) before making her return to the US.

After the jump, some pics of Hope Solo in action.

Making the diving save

Making the save at full stretch

In training for the 2007 World Cup

Multi-tasking: juggling and calling UF HQ

I can't believe I'm on Unprofessional Foul!

Congratulations, Hope Solo! Now, in accordance with UF regulations, you are obligated to provide us with an interview. We expect to hear from your agent within 48 hours to set it up.