Abby Wambach, Soccer Star

At age 27, she's a star forward on the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team, runs a camp for kids, and is aiming to be the world's top female scorer. Learn how this athlete stays fit and fueled.

By Lindsey Emery

Soccer Mom Wannabe

FITNESS: You started playing soccer at age 4. Did you ever imagine you could make a career of it?

Abby: "When I was younger, I played in boys' leagues, because the level of competition wasn't quite the same for girls. I never thought I'd be able to just play without having to hold a second job. But now, because of the popularity of women's sports, the skill level for elite girls is so high that they can play competitively with women throughout their lives."

FITNESS: How can girls get more involved in sports?

Abby: "Camps kept me out of trouble growing up. Now I run the all-girls Abby Wambach Soccer Camp in Pittsford, New York. My dream is to help girls be active, healthy, and involved with something that turns them into strong, successful women."

FITNESS: What's your favorite leisure sport -- aside from soccer, of course?

Abby: "I like to run, watch-free. I also love to mountain bike in our off-season -- going downhill gives me an adrenaline rush!"

FITNESS: What's it like training for the World Cup?

Abby: "Pressure-packed -- my job is to score goals. So two or three times a week, in addition to practice and weight lifting, I get to the field early and shoot about 50 balls into the net."

FITNESS: With so much time traveling and training, is it hard to maintain relationships or date?

Abby: "Cell phones and e-mail help! But I love playing soccer, and I truly believe that what I've learned on the field has driven me to be better at everything I do."