Abby Wambach Awarded 'Athlete of the Year'

Hermosa Beach resident Abby Wambach on Tuesday was named by the Associated Press as this year's female Athlete of the Year.

She is the first individual soccer player to win one of the AP's annual sports awards, which began in 1931 and are selected by members of the AP.

But "Wambach's clutch performance at this summer's World Cup made her the clear choice for the 2011 Female Athlete of the Year," according to the organization.

Wambach was honored as Sportswoman of the Year for team sports at the in October.