Faithful fans get ready for Abby

Posted at: 08/24/2012 4:52 PM | Updated at: 08/24/2012 6:33 PM
By: Robin De Wind | WHEC.com

The countdown is on. Abby Wambach and the U.S Women’s Soccer Team will be in Rochester in one week. The team practices at Sahlen’s Stadium next Friday, then the U.S. Women will face Costa Rica in an exhibition game Saturday. 

Sahlen’s Stadium will be packed next weekend with families and kids cheering on hometown hero Abby Wambach. Some of the soccer star’s biggest fans are getting ready. 

Abby Weltman has two things in common with her idol Abby Wambach, her first name and her love of soccer. 

Weltman said, “I’m not named after Abby Wambach, the superstar. I’m named after Abby the kid.” 

Abby’s mom, Kris, went to school with Wambach’s older sister and remembers Abby and her brother, Andrew, as toddlers. 

Kris Weltman said, “She was this cute little blonde I remember that after graduating always hearing about her. They think their claim to fame is that they're named for Abby being a soccer star but really it was Abby and Andrew as little children.” 

Abby, Andrew and Gillian Weltman could be Wambach’s biggest fans. The Weltman kids and their neighbors, the Griffiths’ decided to spend their summer day properly welcoming Abby to town. The kids have followed Abby’s career on television and when she’s played here in Rochester after last year’s World Cup, the kids stood in the crowd at Eastview Mall, just to get a glimpse. 

Gillian Weltman said, “My mom asked me if I could have my party not my party but a birthday and I said maybe during an Abby Wambach game.” 

Abby Weltman said, “She's an inspiration to me. I love watching her play. We drove to Boston recently we drove 6 hours and we went to a place to watch her gold medal game.” 

Wambach is their reminder that hard work and good sportsmanship matters. It is no wonder that their devotion is golden. 

Abby Weltman said, “Japan did win a world cup so it’s nice they both have a victory. She's definitely a role model. I'd love to play like her when I grow up.” 

There’s only one thing the Weltman kids don’t have. Abby’s autograph. They have their seats for next Saturday’s game and plan to try and get Abby to sign.

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