Pia Sundhage, the Swedish legend who guided the Boston Breakers to the WUSA regular-season title, is the WUSA's Coach of the Year.

Canadian forward Christine Latham, whose aggressiveness up front unsettled defenses and helped the San Diego Spirit to its first WUSA playoff berth, was named Rookie of the Year, one of six awards the league announced on Tuesday.

Atlanta's Briana Scurry was selected Goalkeeper of the Year, Washington's Abby Wambach was honored for Goal of the Year, Philadelphia's Jenny Benson was named Humanitarian of the Year, and Terry Vaughn was voted Referee of the Year.

Players, coaches, general managers and media voted on most of the WUSA awards, the remainder of which will be announced Wednesday and Thursday. Goal of the Year was voted upon by fans in online balloting.

A look at the winners:

COACH OF THE YEAR
Pia Sundhage, 43, who orchestrated Philadelphia's league-best defense last season as Mark Krikorian's chief assistant, guided Boston to a 10-4-7 record, the regular-season title and an 11-game unbeaten streak, which continued during elimination last weekend in the WUSA semifinals (to Washington on penalty kicks following a 0-0 tie). Sundhage brought superior defensive organization to a solid attacking side and turned a horrid road team (1-8-2 in 2002) into one of the league best away teams (5-2-3 this season).

Previous winners
2001 — Ian Sawyers (Bay Area)
2002 — Mark Krikorian (Philadelphia)

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Spirit forward Christine Latham, 21, came on strong the latter half of the season, scoring six goals with three assists and forming with Scotswoman Julie Fleeting one of the most aggressive forward lines in the WUSA. The former University of Nebraska striker, headed to the World Cup with Canada, scored four goals in one six-game stretch during July and had a goal and an assist in San Diego's season-closing win over Washington to clinch third place. Latham's impact for the Spirit isn't captured her totals; hers was the greatest among three rookies (midfielder Aly Wagner and goalkeeper Jenni Branam) who played prominent roles in San Diego's most successful season.

Previous winners
2001 — No award
2002 — Abby Wambach (Washington)

GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR
Briana Scurry, 31, was clearly the best netminder in the WUSA this season, leading the league in goals-against average (0.95), shutouts (7) and save percentage (79.5) as Atlanta set a record for fewest goals allowed in one season (19). The owns career records in GAA (1.03), winning percentage (.600) and shutouts (20). The 1999 World Cup star, acknowledged then as the best goalkeeper in the women's game, has played the best soccer of her career in the past year, reclaiming the No. 1 spot on the U.S. women's national team.

Previous winners
2001 — LaKeysia Beene (Bay Area)
2002 — Kristin Luckenbill (Carolina)

HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR
Philadelphia left back Jenny Benson, 25, is cited for her involvement in community activities, most notably through her work with the Gia Nicole Angel Fund named for 12-year-old Gia Gaudet, who has spina bifida, a spinal column defect.

Previous winners
2001 — Kate Sobrero (Boston)
2002 — Sissi (San Jose)

GOAL OF THE YEAR
Forward Abby Wambach, 23, is honored for her 80th-minute goal — her second of the game — in Washington's 2-0 victory July 19 over visiting New York. It was a diving header at the edge of the 6 from Mia Hamm's dipping free kick outside the box. Wambach and Hamm shared the WUSA scoring title.

Previous winners
2001 — No award
2002 — Katia (San Jose)

REFEREE OF THE YEAR
Terry Vaughn, 30, was judged the most consistently strong referee in a season marked by uneven officiating. The Marion, Iowa, resident will be in the middle for Sunday's Founders Cup in San Diego.

Previous winners
2001 — Sandra Hunt
2002 –Kari Seitz

The WUSA will announce the Defender of the Year, All-WUSA First and Second teams, Team Community Service Award, Team Fair Play Award and Executive of the Year on Wednesday. The MVP winner will be known Thursday.