August 25, 2000

Replies by Head Coach April Heinrichs to questions from the media

April Heinrichs, U.S. National Team Head Coach

Naming Akers' replacement for the Olympics
"I would start by saying it seems inappropriate to talk about Michelle's replacement before letting the dust settle regarding her departure. It was a surprise to the team. I think a lot of us were operating under
the mind set 'Did this really happen?' We want to celebrate Michelle's decision to retire and not go to Olympics. In so many ways she's demonstrated what great courage she has physically. And now she demonstrates what great courage she has in life."

Her initial thoughts about the retirement

"I think the best way to describe it would be surprised, but notsurprised. This woman has stayed with this team and played with this team four or five years beyond what anyone thought she could. She's played thorough injuries that other players would not be able to. For her to utter those words this close to the Olympics, it must be
serious. I respect and admire what she's done on the field for years."

Thoughts about the length of Akers' career

"Probably no other player will have a career that will span 15 years on the national team. It's remarkable what she's achieved in those 15 years, both on an individual level and the teams she's played on. I think
we're looking at a player that will never be duplicated again. Always in sports there is an anthem that puts you in a time and place, much like a song would. In most American's minds she's the first female
soccer player to rise to the level of elite status."

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