Category: Kinesiology & Applied Physiology
From World Cup champion to the classroom
May 07, 2026 Written by Amy Cherry | Photos courtesy of Thomas Kaminski
Soccer icon Abby Wambach discusses career, mental health in Women in Sports class
A soccer legend recently joined a class at the University of Delaware College of Health Sciences.
Students enrolled in the Women in Sports class heard from FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion and U.S. Soccer Hall of Famer Abby Wambach live via Zoom from her home in Los Angeles.
The class, taught by Thomas Kaminski and Nancy Getchell, professors of kinesiology and applied physiology, began on April 8, 2026, with a screening of the SEC Storied documentary “Abby Head On,” which chronicles the soccer star’s journey from high school standout to Florida Gators champion to a U.S. Women’s National Team icon. It was followed by an in-depth discussion with Wambach, who discussed her career as a female professional athlete struggling with addiction, mental health issues, and stardom.
“I wasn’t fully aware of her battle with addiction that stemmed from an injury and continued from sports-related stressors,” said Emma Quinn.
Early in the semester, Quinn saw Wambach, who co-owns Angel City Football Club, listed on the syllabus, which immediately caught her attention.
“I played soccer growing up and remember watching Wambach in the World Cup and screaming every time they scored, so it was awesome to hear from her and get the chance to ask her questions.”
The honors kinesiology major graduating this spring enrolled in the Women in Sports class because she hopes to work with athletes as a physical therapist (PT). Quinn has also worked in Kaminski’s lab on concussion prevention in youth soccer since her first year at UD.
“I wanted to better understand the risks female athletes face compared to men, but I’ve also learned about what women athletes go through psychologically,” Quinn said. “Being a PT isn’t just about being there for their physical injuries; you must understand how stressors impact their mental health.”
Getchell said the opportunity to hear from Wambach added an important perspective for students in the course.
“It was fantastic to have such an inspirational and motivational public figure speak to UD students,” said Getchell. “Abby Wambach is regarded as one of the world’s best soccer players, has two Olympic gold medals and a World Cup win, yet remains very humble and uses her fame to promote important issues like mental health.”
Kaminski first met Wambach at the University of Florida, where he served as an athletic trainer while Wambach was a standout player for the Gators. His research on heading in soccer began through collaboration with her team.
“Abby was highly recruited out of high school but chose to come to Florida, and her presence was felt immediately,” said Kaminski. “I cherish my interactions with her when she was a collegiate player, and she’s remained a friend all these years, which is a testament to her caring personality. She could have spent 45 minutes with the class, but instead, stayed with us for over 90 minutes.”
Ayomide Gbadebo, a junior kinesiology major, took the Women in Sports course to better understand the adversities women face in sports.
“I learned about the impacts of puberty and hormones on women in sports. I also learned that ACL injuries are more common in women,” Gbadebo said. “I want to pursue a career in medicine or physical therapy, and this knowledge will help me better treat my patients.”
Wambach also applauded Gbadebo and Benjamin Schwartz for being the only men in the course.
“She told us she was proud of us for doing our part to make a change,” said Gbadebo. “I think anyone planning to go to medical school should consider this course.”
Quinn also thought that was a special moment.
“Getting more men to advocate for women in sports will help us all succeed,” Quinn said.
