Juego y la Gloria, El

This is the inspiring story of Michelle Akers, a member of the thrilling 1999 USA Women’s World Cup championship soccer team, who battled phenomenal odds to triumph on the field and in her faith. In the summer of 1999, the U.S. women’s soccer team stole the hearts of the nation when they captured the Women’s World Cup in a glorious victory over China before 90,000 spectators at the Rose Bowl. The popularity of soccer in America soared to unprecedented heights, and the 1999 team members became instant celebrities and role models, with midfielder Michelle Akers (whom the New York Daily News called "the ultimate symbol of the U.S. women’s National Team") leading the way. Thirty-three-year-old Akers is arguably one of the greatest female athletes of all time. In this book she tells her inspiring story of conquering enormous obstacles in both her personal life and her sports career. A mysterious illness that threatened to end her athletic career and an early divorce shattered her, but also led her back to a faith she had abandoned in her youth. She has battled so many injuries that Time magazine called her "an orthopedic disaster." On top of all she has suffered for eight years with a severe case of Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome. Still she persevered. "She’s the best woman that’s ever played the game, period," U.S. coach Tony DiCocco told New York Times. "Michelle Akers inspires me." Michelle will also inspire readers as she tells of discovering true strength in the midst of debilitating weakness. "God’s been lifting me out of my mess day-by-day ever since I made the decision to welcome him back into my life," she writes. This is more than just an action-packed read for sports fans. It’s also an honest, page-turning autobiography of a remarkable young woman’s uplifting story of commitment, perseverance, and faith.