August 25, 2000

Praise for Michelle at the press conference announcing her retirement from international competition

Dr. Robert Contiguglia , U.S. Soccer Federation President

"I am here to say thank you to Michelle for what she's done for our sport. I spent the morning looking through press reports about your accomplishments, and they only say part of what you've done for the
sport. You are one of the most remarkable human beings that I've ever gotten to work with.

Many of you know that Michelle's nickname on this team is Mufasa, from the movie "The Lion King." Michelle epitomizes the word lion and hero in every sense of the word. She's dominant both on the field and off. She's displayed both incredible courage and leadership.

Michelle, you are a wonderful, wonderful person. Thank you for everything you've done for our sport. We'd like to keep you active in the sport, not only as an ambassador, but as an athlete representative.

Thank you, Mufasa, you are my hero."

Dr. Mark Adams, U.S. Women's National Team Doctor

"The thing that has always impressed me with Michelle was the dedication of this person and the team. Michelle set the standard for this team as to what it takes to produce a world class organization and what it takes to succeed at the international level.

Michelle has battled disease that you are all aware of (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). When it was first diagnosed there was little known about it. It's still a disease that's an enigma to us today. She approached that illness in the same way, as a warrior, as she played on the soccer field. She's every bit as much a warrior in the training room. She is a very dedicated athlete, and if she hasn't been she would not have been
able to play with this chronic illness.

The thing that impresses me the most, is that her entire lifestyle has revolved around living with this disease and learning how to play with it. She's unbelievable from an exercise standpoint. We've tried many,
many medications in an attempt to understand this illness, but really it's a combination of her dedication and her lifestyle that's let her play for so long. At this time we've assessed Michelle, and really with the combination of the disease she's lived with and the injuries, we decided it was time to walk away. In reality, Michelle has always played with heart and has continued to try to fight the disease with
heart."

Dr. Rob Palumbo, U.S. Women's National Team Surgeon

"The fact that she had the ability to come back from injury in the time frame with the damage she had was just amazing. Anybody that has worked with you will tell you that she continues to amaze. Her injury was the culmination of several. The first happened during the World Cup, and then she had another fall in a game in Central Florida, and that was the one that took her out and required her to have surgery.

During surgery we knew she has some pretty extensive damage, and we tookcare of what we could take care of. knowing that her goal was to get back to the Olympics we put her on a fairly accelerated rehab, and she responded unbelievably, as everyone expects her to. When she left for Germany, begging to play, it was amazing that she was ready. Michelle made the decision that it was time, and we all supported her."

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