Wambach picked as apple ambassador
Abby Wambach
Press release, NY Apple Association
FISHERS – Proof that the apple really doesn’t fall far from the tree: U.S. soccer star and Rochester native Abby Wambach has signed on as celebrity ambassador for New York state apples.
Wambach has deep New York roots. She grew up in Rochester, where her family owns a farm market and garden center, Wambach Farms.
Wambach will appear in television, radio, print and online advertisements promoting New York state apples and apple products for the New York Apple Association. She will also be featured on point-of-sale signs for grocery, farm and green markets, on NYAA’s website and in social media.
“Growing up around a family-owned farm and garden store, Wambach Farms, fresh produce was a huge part of my childhood. Whether it was selling homegrown New York apples, or eating them, I learned how important it is to sustain a healthy diet – and as they say, ‘an apple a day, keeps the doctor away’,” said Wambach. “Being a New York native, I am excited to join the New York Apple Association to create more awareness that the best apples in the world come from New York orchards.”
Apples are a $30 million annual business in New York. Orleans County is the state’s second-leading apple producer, following Wayne County.
Known for her trademark header goals, Wambach may well be the most decorated U.S. woman soccer player in history. She earned her latest accolade on June 21 when she scored her 160th goal to become the world’s all-time top women’s scorer, surpassing former teammate Mia Hamm’s previous record.
“New York soccer moms and players love Abby, and with her local roots and healthy, active lifestyle she is a fantastic apple ambassador for us,” said NYAA President Jim Allen. “New York state apples, Abby and soccer, that’s just using our heads.”
Wambach is certainly well known in her home state. While attending Our Lady of Mercy High School in Rochester, she captained the elite regional Rochester Spirit club team. In college, the three-time all American helped her University of Florida Gators earn an NCAA national championship and four conference championships.
To date, her pro career highlights include Rookie of the year in 2002, two Olympic gold medals (she scored the header goal that clinched U.S. gold in 2004), five-time U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year, three FIFA Women’s World Cup competitions and FIFA World Player of the Year in 2012. She has played on the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team since 2003.
She played for the Washington (D.C.) Freedom/Boca Raton magicJack from 2002-2011. She recently returned home to New York state to play forward for the Western New York Flash.
“Abby for Apples” will unveil this fall, to promote the 2013 New York apple crop.
