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June 8, 2010
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Tim Howard
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USA Soccer
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North Brunswick
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| Tourette's syndrome, a neurological disease that affects motor function by
causing involuntary tics especially during physical activities and excitement, may slow down the average athlete,
but hometown legend, Tim Howard of North Brunswick, never allowed his symptoms to interfere with his dream of being
the best goalkeeper in the world. |
From an early age, Howard showed an affinity for soccer and because of his
size his coaches made him the goalie because as Howard recalls, "I was the biggest so I was put in the goal".
Facing the challenges of normal youth experiences were complicated further for Howard when in the fifth grade
he was diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome. His mother noticed that he was having involuntary movements including
eye blinking, shrugging and throat clearing. Like other obstacles he would face in his life, Howard persevered
by pushing himself harder on the field. After being noticed at a local soccer camp, Howard began playing goalie
for U.S. youth national teams by the age of 15 and made his first international appearance for the United States
a short time later.
During this time, Howard still found time to play soccer and basketball for his hometown school at North Brunswick
High School. Under the guidance of legendary coach, Stan Williston, Howard played midfield for North Brunswick.
Howard still credits his time under Williston's tutelage as being important to his development professionally
and personally. "Stan Williston had a big influence. He was just an amazing man, great soccer coach, but
an amazing man. He had a huge influence on my early development and my transition from high school to professionally.
He's someone I admire and looked up to," stated Howard. |
Another coach who made a great impact on Howard was goalkeeping coach, Tim
Mulqueen. Having spotted Howard at a youth camp, Mulqueen helped guide Howard through the early portion of his
career by signing him to contracts with the Jersey Imperials and the New York/New Jersey Metrostars. Howard recalls
fondly, "When it comes to goalkeeping coaches, he's got an unbelievable ability to train goalkeepers. He's
had a huge impact on my career".
Howard's career took off during his playing days with the Metrostars. At the tender age of 19, Howard won his Metrostars
debut at Giants Stadium. Within a few years, Howard began to dominate the league and revolutionize the goalkeeper
position. With his athletic ability and size, Howard displayed a form rarely seen by the top goalies in the world.
In 2001, he won the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award, the youngest player to be so honored, after compiling four
shutouts, a league-leading 146 saves and a 1.33 goals against average (GAA). His success wasn't only on the soccer
field. In 2001, Howard received the MLS Humanitarian of the Year Award for his work with children suffering from
Tourette's syndrome. His work in this area has helped researchers as they look for causes and treatment for the
disorder. |
His success for the Metrostars began drawing attention from cub teams from
soccer's powerhouses in Europe. In 2003, Manchester United, the most-popular soccer club team in the world, and
the consensus best team in England, impressed by Howard's fierce determination and athletic ability, paid the Metrostars
$4 million to obtain Howard's contract. Howard began playing immediately for United and continued his amazing success
story in the English Premier League leading United to victory in the 2004 F.A. Cup and in the process becoming
the first American player to earn a winner's medal in England's storied history.
By 2006, Howard was transferred to Everton of the EPL where his talents have helped Everton remain at the top of
the standings with Howard helping his club win decisive matches against English soccer powerhouses, Chelsea, Manchester
United and Liverpool. Howard's excellence on the international stage caught the eye of U.S. national team coach,
Bruce Arena, and Howard was named to the 2006 U.S. National squad that competed for the World Cup in Germany.
Howard served as backup in that completion but in 2007 he was named the number one goalie for the United States.
Since then, Howard has backstopped the U.S. team to impressive victories in the 2007 CONCACAF final over Mexico
and to the stunning upset of Spain, the number one team in the world, at the 2009 Confederation's Cup. Howard's
shutout of Spain in the U.S. victory was the first time in two years the Spaniards had failed to score a goal in
a match |
| As the World Cup approaches, we can all support our hometown hero as he prepares
to play on soccer's biggest stage at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The United States will open the tournament
against England, a team with whom Howard is very much familiar following his years of playing in the English Premier
League at Manchester United and Everton. Howard's success story is an inspiration to all athletes especially those
suffering from neurological or physical disorders. Howard's will to succeed helps him face his Tourette's syndrome
during a match. The pressure of being the goalie-the last line of defense- for Manchester United, Everton and
now the United States National Team require nerves of steel and unblinking concentration. For Howard to have reached
the pinnacle of his sport while suffering from Tourette's is a credit to his will power and his determination.
As he explained to 60 Minutes in 2005, "It's just a battle of the will, your willpower versus what your mind
is telling your body to do. And so it's about suppressing those physical movements, those vocalizations. It's tough
to explain, I suppose." Howard has provided a lot of exciting moments for his fans throughout his career.
Let's hope he can continue his fairytale story and reach the top of the soccer world in South Africa beginning
on June 12, 2010 |
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June 1, 2010
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Heather O'Reilly
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Sky Blue FC
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East Brunswick
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| New Jersey's own Heather O'Reilly started playing soccer on the fields of
East Brunswick and has since travelled around the world for the United States national team competing in all levels
of international competition. Heather has returned home as she leads the defending WPS champion, Sky Blue FC in
Piscataway, New Jersey.Heather burst onto the International scene when at the tender age of 16 while still in high
school she was named to the U.S. women's national team. O'Reilly made her first appearance on March 1, 2002 against
Sweden. At age 19, she was named to the 2004 US women's Olympic team and scored the game winning goal against
Brazil in the semi-finals sparking the US team to a gold medal. Heather played alongside women's soccer legends,
Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly and Brandi Chastain. |
| She continued her international success at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing
in 2008. She has the distinction of scoring the fastest goal in Olympic women's soccer history against New Zealand.
Heather scored in the semi-final game against crowd favorite Japan helping the US again take home gold against
a heavily-favored Brazilian team. O'Reilly has been a winner at every level of competition winning 2 championships
during her collegiate career at the University of North Carolina, a championship with the New Jersey Wildcats,
2 Olympic gold medals and the inaugural championship in the WPS with Sky Blue. |
| Her courage and dedication were exemplified after she fought back from a
career-threatening injury to her fibula. An advocate for healthy and happy youth girl's soccer players, Heather
believes young players should be involved in multiple sports activities to prevent over abuse and to promote cross
training of their developing muscles. She believes that one-sport commitment should not begin until high school.
She also advocates the workload for 10 year-olds should be two practices and a game per week while high school
players should have about 4 practices and a game. Heather loves being back in New Jersey and playing before her
loyal fans. Heather finds time to meet with and support the area's young soccer players. She is an inspiration
and role model for female soccer players everywhere. |
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