Local soccer player meets Mia Hamm

Monroe — Monroe-Woodbury High School junior Anne Summers didn’t have to think twice about participating in a clinic with Mia Hamm. She jumped at the chance. Summers, who plays for her school’s varsity soccer team coached by Leslie Ahlborn, also plays for the Monroe United Soccer Club U-16 girls travel team. Recently, the U-16 team went to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., to participate in a soccer clinic and television production for the Sportskool Television Network. Sportskool is a free instructional sports network available in Orange County on Cablevision and Time Warner. Summers had seen Hamm and the United States National Team several times over the years, but those memories take a back seat to her recent day with the Olympic soccer great. “It was amazing to get out there and play with her,” said Summers, after watching Hamm demonstrate her technical drills. “She was so knowledgeable and nice.” Hamm retired in 2004 with 158 international goals, more than 50 ahead of any other player, male or female, after spending 17 years on the U.S. National Team. “I wasn’t much different than most of these girls at this age,” Hamm said. “I was a shy, introverted kid, and through the game of soccer and athletics, I was able to gain a lot more confidence and express myself on the field.” At the clinic, the teams were divided into stations, and Hamm circulated through the different groups, along with Southern Methodist University Head Women’s Coach John Cossaboon. Asked what was the most important thing she took away with her, Summers said, “Mia said to respect your teammates, opponents, and most of all, the game of soccer. To always work hard, and give your best, and always have fun.”