information courtesy of Sky Blue FC
Photo credit to Howard C. Smith

ST. LOUIS, MO. - Former Monmouth University soccer standout and Sky Blue FC's Christie Rampone capped the 2009 Women's Professional Soccer season this past weekend on a triumphant note with a year-end award followed by a victory in the WPS All-Star Game presented by U.S. Coast Guard.

On Saturday night, the league announced its 2009 WPS Year-End Award winners during its Awards Gala and Rampone was named the 2009 Hint Water Sportswoman of the Year.

"It's been a truly amazing first year and I'm so thankful for the opportunity to play in WPS and that the league is back again," said Rampone after receiving the award.

On Sunday, Rampone joined forces with Sky Blue FC teammate Heather O'Reilly and the rest of the best of WPS to claim a 4-2 victory over Umeå IK of Sweden in the 2009 WPS All-Star Game at the Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park in Fenton, Mo. Rampone played the full 90 minutes as the WPS All-Stars recovered from an early 2-0 deficit.

The victorious weekend was a fitting end to a successful season for Rampone, who assumed the role of Sky Blue FC Player/Coach on July 30. The team's captain and defensive leader propelled Sky Blue FC to the WPS Championship with three victories on the road in an eight-day span including a 1-0 win over the Los Angeles Sol in the final.

Rampone '97, a Monmouth Sports Hall of Fame member, is the Hawks' all-time leading scorer in soccer history and is also a member of the United States National Team, as well as captain.