June 5, 2001

Fawcett gives birth to third Girl, Madilyn Rae

U.S. Women's National Team defender Joy Fawcett gave birth to her third child this morning when Madilyn Rae Fawcett came into the world at approximately 8:55 a.m. Madilyn was born at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, Calif. and checked in at 7 pounds and 7 ounces, measuring 20 inches long.

"She has a strong left foot, just like her dad," said Walt Fawcett, who now has the personnel to stock a three-woman back line for a WUSA team in approximately 21 years.

Fawcett gave birth just before 9 a.m. and at 9:20 a.m., called her WUSA and National Team teammates Shannon MacMillan and Julie Foudy to inform the rest of the Spirit. America's #1 Soccer Mom is resting comfortably after an eight-hour labor with no complications. She will likely leave the hospital tomorrow morning.

Madilyn Rae has two older sisters in Katey (7) and Carli (4), both whom recently celebrated May birthdays. Fawcett has been a member of every Women's World Cup and Olympic team in U.S. history, winning one Olympic gold medal, an Olympic silver medal and two Women's World Cup titles. She is fourth all-time in U.S. history with 184 appearances for the national team and is the highest scoring defender in U.S. history with 24 goals.

"I'm feeling great and I'm just happy to have a healthy baby," said Joy. "I'm just glad the pain is over and I'm looking forward to slowly getting back on the field."

Fawcett, who has come back strongly and quickly from the birth of two previous children to regain her world-class level of play, has indicated that she will not be ready to face the Boston Breakers this Saturday at Torero Stadium.

"With three girls, I will no doubt get to know the future teen male population of our neighborhood over the next 10 years," said Walt, who says his new favorite movie character is Robert De Niro in "Meet the Parents."

Fawcett, one of three allocated players to the San Diego Spirit, has not set a time schedule for her return to the field, but will start light running and working with the ball as soon as she feels able. Fawcett's doctor left her with a few words of advice.

"If you start working out too early, don't tell me," said the doctor. "If I see you on TV, you're in trouble."

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