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Abby Wambach will have a new title at the  London Games.

Coach Pia Sundhage recently named the 31-year-old Wambach a co-captain of the U.S. women’s soccer team- or essentially the vice-captain to team leader Christie Rampone.

It makes sense, given that the dominant striker was already the team’s go-to spokeswoman and vocal locker room leader.

But she can go on and on at times, to the point that Pia Sundhage had to tell Gabby Abby to “shut up” at a meeting not long after Sundhage became coach four years ago.

Wambach says she likes the co-captain role but she thinks Sundhage regrets it sometimes “because I tell her exactly how I feel.”

It’s easy however, to see why Sundhage made the change. Wambach is a role model on and off the field.

“Quite honestly, I was a little shocked that Pia wanted to change things up,” Wambach said. “Not that she doesn’t like to change things up – she loves that part of sports – but I have so much respect for all of my teammates that quite honestly if I have the co-captain or captain band, I’m still going to be who I am. I’m still going to support you. I’m still going to yell at you. I’m still probably going to kick you in practice. I’m still going to make you the best player you possibly can be.”

The Americans are in Portugal now training for the 12-team Algarve Cup which begins next week.

Hopefully Wambach and Rampone will lead the team to an Olympic gold medal this summer.

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