Juego Y la Gloria,El

Last summer, 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 El Juego y la Gloria 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 (CFIDS).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 od 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.Akers, Michelle is the author of 'Juego Y la Gloria,El', published 2000 under ISBN 9780829728934 and ISBN 0829728937.