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Christine Sinclair is well on her way to being Canada's most decorated soccer player. She's earned many honors south of the border, too, adding the title of college female athlete of the year to her resume Monday in New York, where she received the 2006 Honda Broderick Cup.
The honor caps what has already been a magical year for the native of Burnaby, British Columbia. She wrapped up her college career by leading the University of Portland to its second NCAA title in four years. She scored twice in the 4-0 win against UCLA in the final, finishing with an NCAA-record 39 goals for the season. She has since rejoined Canada's national team -- she flew to New York early Monday after an exhibition game Sunday against Italy in Toronto -- and watched the hardware roll in. The life sciences major also was named Academic All-American of the Year by the College Sports Information Directors of America and Scholar All-American of the Year by the National Soccer Coaches Association.
"It was certainly unexpected," Sinclair said of being chosen as the winner of the Cup from among five finalists, including former LSU basketball star Seimone Augustus and softball strikeout recordholder Cat Osterman of Texas. "Winning the championship was the goal of the season. Winning this award is the icing on the cake."
She can now be mentioned alongside previous winners such as Mia Hamm, the most recognized figure in the sport. "She's known as the best women's soccer player ever," Sinclair said. "It's an honor to be in the same category."
Sinclair is also honored to share the field with Charmaine Hooper, a pioneer of the game in Canada.
"She's the biggest star the Canadian team has produced," Sinclair said. "She's a great role model for young soccer players."
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