Thursday, December 19, 2024

Soccer star Crystal Dunn headlines Hassau Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony

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The Nassau County High School Athletics Hall of Fame inducted 25 new members on Wednesday night.

There were football players, track stars, lacrosse All-Americans and more.

But soccer star Crystal Dunn was the only one who is just weeks removed from winning an Olympic gold medal.

“Walking away with a gold medal is special. Not many people can say they are a gold medalist,” said Dunn, who is from Rockville Centre.

That medal is just the latest achievement for Long Island’s greatest soccer player ever.

She was a college All-American at North Carolina, a pro soccer MVP and National Women’s Soccer League champ and a World Cup champ, too.

“I never knew where this sport was going to take me. Every step of the way, I try to stay present and humble in every opportunity,” said Dunn before being enshrined at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.

Dunn was a four year-varsity player at South Side High School with nearly 50 goals, three state championships and All-American honors.

She was also the Gatorade Player of the Year in 2010.

“I think that time taught me what it takes to win, not just one time, but to repeat it and set expectations and have goals,” she explained to News 12’s Kevin Maher.

Maher then took out his phone and showed Crystal pictures of herself playing for South Side High School.

He got them from the 2010 school yearbook.

“So what would you tell this young woman right here?” Maher asked.

“I would tell this young woman that you do not know what’s coming. There is a lot more soccer left in that little body. If you go out there and give your absolute best, then who knows what can happen,” she says.

Dunn got a round of applause, a crystal statue with her name on it and a well-deserved spot among Nassau County’s best athletes.

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