Written by
The Sports Network
Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - U.S. Soccer named forward Clint Dempsey as the
2011 Male Athlete of the Year on Friday, and forward Abby Wambach as the 2011
Female Athlete of the Year.
Dempsey, who previously won the award in 2007, becomes just the fourth men's
player to earn the honor at least two times, along with Landon Donovan, Kasey
Keller and Marcelo Balboa.
"I'd like to thank the fans for voting me Athlete of the Year," said Dempsey.
"It always feels good to be recognized for doing a good job at something you
love to do. I'd like to thank my teammates and coaching staff for all their
hard work, and hopefully we can have a better 2012."
Wambach for the second straight year and for the fifth time overall. She tied
Mia Hamm for the most awards with five.
"Thanks everybody for voting me U.S. Women's soccer Player of the Year," said
Wambach. "It's always an honor. I can always say very safely that it's a team
award, honestly."
Midfielder Brek Shea and forward Sydney Leroux won the Young Male and Young
Female Awards, respectively.
Online votes registered counted for 50 percent of the total votes, while the
other 50 percent was represented by votes compiled from members of the media
and U.S. Soccer representatives.
The Sports Network