KRISTINE LILLY , 27 [Forward]

Growing up, Kristine Lilly had no clue that a women's national team existed. So when she was asked in 1987 to join the U.S. squad for a tournament in China, she didn't celebrate or kiss the ground. "I said I had to ask my parents if I could go," she recalls.

That journey to China was the first of five for Lilly, who as this issue went to press had played in 175 international games, more than any other soccer player in the world, male or female. Although she loves foreign travel, the chance to perform before a U.S. crowd this summer, particularly in one venue, has this jet-setter psyched. "I can't wait to play in the Meadowlands," says Lilly. "I'm a huge New York Jets fan."

Thumbnails | Next photo