25 Facts About Sara Whalen

Sara Whalen played for the United States Women's National Soccer Team from 1997 to 2000, won an Olympic silver medal with the team, and was a founding player of Women's United Soccer Association.

Sara Whalen attended Harborfields High School in her hometown, where she played varsity soccer, basketball, and track as a sprinter.

Sara Whalen graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in psychology.

Sara Whalen received her master's degree in psychology from Fordham University, and her doctorate from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Sara Whalen was the 1995 and 1996 Big East Defensive Player of the Year, before playing striker her senior season where she recorded 21 goals and 22 assists to lead her team in scoring.

Sara Whalen won the Honda Sports Award as the nation's top soccer player.

Sara Whalen finished her college career with 23 goals and 43 assists.

In 1997, Sara Whalen began her career for the United States women's national soccer team as an outside defender.

Sara Whalen earned her first cap against France, while still in college.

Sara Whalen usually appeared as a late game substitute to add attacking speed from a wild midfield post.

In 1999, Sara Whalen helped the US Women's National Team win the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Sara Whalen played every minute of extra-time in the final against China.

From 1997 through 1999, Sara Whalen played for the club team the Long Island Lady Riders.

In 1997, Sara Whalen helped the Riders win the USL W-League Champions.

From 2001 through 2002, Sara Whalen played for the New York Power where she made 31 appearances.

In 2001, Sara Whalen was a founding player of the Women's United Soccer Association, playing alongside US teammates Christie Pearce and Tiffeny Milbrett for the New York Power.

Sara Whalen was one of the 20 founding players; a lot of which players were a part of the 1999 World Cup team including Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly, and Michelle Akers.

On June 26,2002, in a game against the Carolina Courage, Sara Whalen tore her ACL and MCL in a collision with German international Birgit Prinz.

Sara Whalen had surgery, but noticed her knee was infected shortly thereafter.

Sara Whalen had to go through seven surgeries, including moving ligaments from her right to left knee, to repair her injury.

Sara Whalen felt that she had to grieve a life that she was leaving behind.

Sara Whalen was worrisome that she would not be good at a job in the psychology field because of all the trauma she endured.

Sara Whalen was able to feel like she got some ownership back in her story and feels like her story helps her with her job.

Sara Whalen is a licensed psychologist and cognitive behavioral therapist.

Sara Whalen was inducted into the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame on Long Island in the Soccer Category with the Class of 2001.