Rockville Centre native nominated for ESPY

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Her youth, Dunn said, was not a limiting factor in her performance. “Everyone was very supportive,” she said. “I never really got on myself for making mistakes. Abby [Wambach] would be giving me feedback. It’s obviously difficult to hear criticism, but she’s such a great teammate that when she says something in the right tone, it’s like, OK, I could do better next time.”

Wambach and teammate Alex Morgan, fellow ESPY nominees, will join Dunn at the ceremony, to be hosted by the actor Jon Hamm in Los Angeles on July 17. Those who wish to vote for Dunn can do so at the ESPYs homepage at espn.com, by selecting the Best Female College Athlete category.

“I just played in New Jersey, and a lot of people from Rockville Centre had signs,” she said. “It was awesome to see so many people supporting me from my hometown.”

Her coaches have nothing but praise for her ability or her character. “She came off one of these dream seasons and dream years,” said Anson Dorrance, Dunn’s head coach at UNC. “I don’t think it’s possible for anyone in any sport to do what Crystal did.”

Dunn, who hopes to play professionally, will enter the National Women’s Soccer League draft this spring. When asked where she hoped to land, she laughed, “As long as I’m with a team and I’m playing.”

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