Former Lion nominated for FIFA Player of Year

The Big Ten's all-time leading women's soccer scorer, Penn State alumna Christie Welsh has been named to the 24-person shortlist for FIFA World Player of the Year.

The award, which will honor the top international women's soccer player will be given at the FIFA World Player of the Year Gala at the Zurich Opera House on Dec. 19.

Welsh is just one of two Americans vying for the prestigious award.

A standout player for the U.S. National Team this past year, Welsh scored in all but one of the games she played for the United States. She netted five goals at the Algarve Cup and was named the tournament's Top Scorer.

Welsh played at Penn State from 1999-2002, leading the Lions to two College Cups and was honored as the 2001 Hermann Trophy winner for collegiate player of the year. She also finished as the runner-up in 2000 and 2002 and is the only Nittany Lion to garner the prestigious award. Welsh is the only four-time All-American in the program's 12-year history.

FIFA will announce the top three male and three female players in late November or early December.