Best books by Abby Wambach
Although soccer might not be the number one sport in the U.S., it’s nevertheless a worldwide phenomenon. Lovers of the team sport know how much passion it can stir up and follow prominent players throughout their careers.
Soccer players can be more than excellent athletes, too, and Abby Wambach is a perfect example of just that. Besides being among the top goal scorers for the U.S. national team, Wambach also authored several impactful titles.
Read on to learn more about the best books written by Abby Wambach.
Who is Abby Wambach?
Born in 1980 in Rochester, New York, Wambach developed an interest in soccer from early childhood. Reportedly, she would often join boy’s teams, showcasing a natural talent for the game. Once Wambach joined the University of Florida, her keen soccer interest grew into a career.
As a forward, Wambach excelled in offense, setting several school records. She scored a total of 96 goals, including 10 hat tricks and 24 goals that won the game for her team.
After four years in the All-Southeastern Conference, Wambach advanced to the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) in 2001. This would mark the beginning of a distinguished career for the goal-getter. Wambach also joined the Washington Freedom, a professional Women’s United Soccer Association (WUTA) team.
With Wambach spearheading the offense, the Washington Freedom won the championship in 2003. In the same year, Wambach also played in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, greatly contributing to the U.S. national team gaining third place.
Already established as a genuine soccer star, Wambach went on to win the Olympic Gold medal with the USWNT in 2004. She scored four goals, the final one bringing the U.S. soccer team victory over Brazil.
In the following years, Wambach claimed the title of the all-time top goal scorer in women’s professional soccer. She also led her teammates to significant victories, becoming a two-time Olympic Gold medalist. The USWNT achieved one success after another during Wambach’s career. The team won two third-place and one second-place finish before becoming the FIFA World Cup champion in 2015.
The 2015 World Cup also marked Wambach’s final official competitive goal. After ensuring her team the title of the Women’s World Cup champion, she ended her professional career the following year.
Wambach received numerous accolades throughout the years, including:
- Rookie of the Year
- U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year (six times)
- WPS Player of the Week (seven times)
- FIFA Women’s Word Cup Silver Ball and Bronze Boot
- ESPY Award for Best Play
- Women’s Sports Foundation Sportswoman of the Year
- AP Female Athlete of the Year
- FIFA World Player of the Year
- ESPY Icon Award
Declared a “badass” by former President Barack Obama, Wambach indeed earned that title in her professional and personal life. She struggled with and overcame drug and alcohol addictions and went through a divorce. Wambach’s second marriage to Glennon Doyle, a blogger, and author of Untamed and other highly successful titles, marked a new chapter in the soccer star’s life.
While her soccer days are now behind her, Wambach turned out to be a proficient writer as well, becoming a New York Times bestselling author. She established a strong presence in the public light, appearing in popular podcasts and publishing multiple new books.
Today, Wambach’s books are available worldwide in electronic and hardcover formats, with new releases selling in thousands through services like Amazon. The following section will review her most successful titles.
The best Abby Wambach books
Wolfpack: How to Come Together, Unleash Our Power, and Change the Game
Wolfpack started as Wambach’s commencement speech to graduates of Barnard College in New York City. The author turned it into a great book that also represents a rallying cry for women worldwide and has been praised as a game-changing title by numerous celebrities, including Serena Williams, Amy Schumer, and Elizabeth Gilbert.
Forward: A Memoir
In Forward: A Memoir, Wambach provides an account of her own life and inner struggles. The book tells the complete story of the author’s journey and development – both as a professional soccer player and, more importantly, a woman overcoming countless obstacles. The title has been highly praised and recommended by National Public Radio (NPR).
Wolfpack: Young Reader’s Edition
Wolfpack: Young Reader’s Edition is exactly what the title sounds like – a version of Wolfpack adapted to accommodate younger audiences. This way, the title has become a staple self-help book on the wish lists of young women around the globe.
Forward: My Story
Like Wolfpack: Young Reader’s Edition, Forward: My Story is an edition of Forward: A Memoir intended for young audiences. While it changes the language and literary approach somewhat, the title offers the same life-changing messages to younger readers.
Listen to Abby Wambach’s audiobooks on Speechify
Many readers view Forward as a pivotal memoir for athletes and everyone else striving for success in the face of life’s challenges. You can listen to this impactful title in audiobook format with Speechify, a growing service with an outstanding selection of releases, along with Wolfpack.
Speechify is easy to set up and start using immediately. You’ll get your first audiobook for free when you sign up, and the service has a mobile app that allows listening on the go. Best of all, you can grab Abby Wambach’s books on Speechify Audiobooks right now, including all of the editions we mentioned.
FAQ
What are some famous quotes by Abby Wambach?
- “Failure is not something to be ashamed of, nor is it proof of unworthiness. Failure is something to be powered by.”
- “Leadership is taking care of yourself and empowering others to do the same.”
- “You are allowed to be disappointed when it feels like life’s benched you. What you aren’t allowed to do is miss your opportunity to lead from the bench.”
What are the new rules of leadership from Abby Wambach?
Wambach outlines eight leadership principles that oppose the old rules. Her new rules are:
- Create your own path.
- Practice gratitude for what you have but demand what you deserve.
- Lead from whichever position you’re in.
- View failure as an opportunity.
- Work with rather than against each other.
- Believe in yourself.
- Place humanity first and cultivate new leaders.
- Don’t be a lone wolf – rely on your pack.
What is Wolfpack Endeavor?
Wolfpack Endeavor is a leadership training program for women that Wambach co-founded to promote community building and corporate success for individuals with high potential.
What does Abby Wambach do when she is not writing?
Wambach continues to be an influential voice in U.S. and worldwide soccer. She also hosts her own podcast.
What are some of Abby Wambach’s favorite books?
Some of the titles that Wambach has recommended include:
- Be All In by Dr. Kristine Keane and Christie Pearce Rampone)
- Save Yourself by Cameron Esposito
- Somebody’s Daughter by Ashley Ford
