SI has selected the '99 U.S. WOMEN'S WORLD CUP soccer
team as its "Sportswomen of the Year." The entire 20-member
team appears on this week's cover (SI). SI Editor BILL
COLSON: "In a year filled with many exceptional candidates,
the U.S. soccer team stood out among the crowd. Not only
did these young women display brilliance on the field, but
their engaging personalities and interaction with fans
clearly captivated the nation and exemplified
sportsmanship." Team member TIFFENY MILBRETT, on the award:
"We don't want to be really forceful, but it's about time.
We are incredible athletes. We are equals" (AP, 12/13).
ACCOLADES: TIME ranks the U.S. women's soccer team the
top sports story of '99: "These gals were fun, talented,
likable and incredibly market savvy." Rounding out the top
five: LANCE ARMSTRONG, PEDRO MARTINEZ, U.S. RYDER CUP TEAM
and MARK MCGWIRE/SAMMY SOSA (TIME, 12/20 issue)....USSF Dir
of Communications Jim Moorhouse: "During the World Cup,
there were a lot of cynics who talked about 15 minutes of
fame for this team. There was a certain part of me that
thought, 'Yeah, there probably will be a drop-off.' But
it's been more than 15 minutes" (OREGONIAN, 12/13).
STILL STRONG: An announced crowd of 10,842 attended
Saturday's Toys 'R Us Victory Tour stop in San Jose
featuring the women's soccer team (AP, 12/12). Sunday's stop
in Tacoma drew more than 14,000 (SEATTLE P-I, 12/13).
