Michelle Akers, who retired from the U.S. women’s national team last year, has been named the second recipient of the NSCAA Women’s Committee Award of Excellence, sponsored by the Washington Area Girls Soccer League (WAGS). Akers joins U.S. women’s national team coach April Heinrichs as the only winners of the award, which will be presented on Friday, Jan. 19, at the Women’s Breakfast, part of the 2001 NSCAA Convention. This year’s event is being held at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. The Washington Area Girls Soccer League, in addition to naming an individual for their outstanding long-term service, has supplied sponsorship money from this award that may be used to help promote the women’s game through various inner-city programs. Money also will be given to charities that promote female soccer participation. A panel of NSCAA members selected Akers from candidates solicited in the Soccer Journal and through various other nominations.