October 12, 2001

Michlle Akers to hang up her boots

Michelle Akers, will announce her retirement at a press conference hosted by the Women’s Sports Foundation at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, 301 Park Avenue, New York, beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 15.

Akers, an Olympic gold medalist (1996), a two-time World Champion (1991 and 1999) and recently named with Sun Wen as 'Player of the Century' by FIFA, faced her fourth and fifth shoulder surgeries in 2001 while listed among the injured reserve with WUSA.

"At the time when I stepped down from the US National team, my body had had it and my heart was telling me it was time to wrap it up," said Akers from her home in Orlando. "After that I figured I’d get my body patched up and set my sites towards the WUSA, but that fifth shoulder surgery pretty much helped me decide that it was time to move on and pursue some things that are near and dear to me."

Akers is studying to become a physician's assistant specializing in sports medicine and orthopedics, and will continue with her Soccer Outreach International organization she created in 1997 to encourage kids of all nations to become leaders of quality character, dynamic faith, and clear purpose through the game of soccer.

"I want to teach and inspire so that kids will walk away from our events with direction on how to be great people and an understanding of what it will take to be a future Olympian," said Akers. "I've been very fortunate and blessed throughout my career, throughout my life, sharing what I know with these future leaders through SOI."