THE OLYMPICS is the first exposure many U.S. spectators get to international competition. But one San Jose athlete now in Beijing has spent the last 10 years on the world stage of sports. Now, Aly Wagner, born and raised in San Jose and an alum of Santa Clara University, is looking to bring home another gold as a member of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team. Wagner's international soccer stardom can be traced back to her freshman year with the Santa Clara Broncos women's soccer team, where she finished off the season by scoring the only goal in the final against North Carolina to win the championship. Following the win, she received the Hermann Trophy honoring the No. 1 collegiate player in the country.

In 1998, Wagner debuted on the national soccer team. By 2003 she had made the No. 1 overall pick in the WUSA draft and made the roster for the Women's FIFA World Cup that was hosted by the United States.

In 2004, Wagner made the Olympic team that played in Athens, and in her four matches she made six assists and scored a total of six goals, helping the United States to a gold medal.

Despite a long series of injuries, Wagner is back on board the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team to defend their reign in Beijing.

Look for a schedule of the team's games at www.nbc11.com.

Send a letter to the editor about this story.