by Christin Ditchfield

Michelle Akers has been called the greatest female soccer player in the world. She helped lead the U.S. Women’s team to two World Cup Championships and an Olympic gold medal in 1996.

But when Michelle was a little girl, she never dreamed of being a soccer star. Michelle wanted to be a wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers. She practiced making catches in the back yard with her father and brother. One day her well-meaning first grade teacher took Michelle aside and told her the cold, hard truth: "Girls don’t play pro football."

Michelle’s dream was shattered. Instead of giving up, Michelle decided to throw her energy and ability in a different direction: soccer.

She immediately showed a talent for the game. Trophies and awards started piling up in her room.

Now Michelle dreamed of glory on the soccer field. But these dreams didn’t last either. In the middle of her professional career, things fell apart. Michelle started to feel sick and tired all the time. Her doctor said she had a disease called Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome.

Michelle’s sports career was all but over.

"I was depressed, sick, alone and empty," she remembers. Michelle didn’t know what to do, but she knew she needed help. That’s when she gave her life to God.

"God," she prayed. "I give up! I can’t make it on my own. I need You. You can have my life completely. I don’t know what You want to do with it, but whatever it is, I’ll do it to the best of my ability."

At that moment, Michelle says God filled her heart with a new dream.

"For so many years, I thought being the best player in the world meant something. But when I got sick, I realized it didn’t do anything for me. Giving my life to Jesus brought me incredible peace and strength and joy. Now I know my life is in the hands of Someone who loves me and knows what is best for me. God gives me the courage and strength I need to live for Him."

With God’s help, Michelle has continued to play soccer professionally. But instead of living for the game, she’s living for Jesus Christ. And that, she says, is the greatest dream of all.

	Q: Why did the football coach walk into the telephone store? A: He needed a receiver. Jessica S., 10, Texas Clubhouse Jr. Click here to subscribe