Hope Solo

Hope Solo is widely considered the best goalkeeper in the world and has been the starter for the United States women's national team since 2005. She has recently returned to the starting lineup after undergoing major surgery in September of 2010, missing all of World Cup qualifying.

She scored 109 goals as a high school forward before moving to goal in college where she played for the University of Washington near her hometown of Richland, Washington.

She played in her first World Cup and allowed two goals in four games before being benched by coach Greg Ryan before the 2007 semifinal, a 4-0 loss to Brazil. She was suspended from the team after she criticized Ryan after the match. She returned to the team shortly after and was once again the starting goalkeeper for the 2008 Olympics. She shut out Brazil in the gold medal game, including a heart-stopping, point-blank save on Brazilian super star Marta in the second half.

Solo started her Women's Professional Soccer career playing for Saint Louis Athletica and was named Goalkeeper of the Year in 2009. Since then, she has played for the Atlanta Beat and magicJack and is a two-time WPS All Star.

Starting for the U.S. at the 2011 World Cup, Solo recorded two shutouts in group play and then made a save in a penalty shootout against Brazil in the quarterfinal, helping the Americans advance to the semis. The U.S. reached the final, falling to Japan in a penalty shootouot after a 2-2 draw, and Solo was awarded the adidas Golden Glove by FIFA as the tournament's top goalkeeper.

When not playing soccer, Hope enjoys reading, basketball, beach volleyball, and other outdoor activities. She is interested in traveling the world and wants to give back through community service projects.

After the 2011 World Cup, Hope participated in the 13th season of Dancing with the Stars, and was featured in The Body Issue of ESPN the Magazine. In the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, she captured her 2nd gold medal while recording three shutouts.