KENNESAW, Ga. (April 27, 2011) –Atlanta Beat goalkeeper Alli Lipsher put on another double-digit save performance this weekend to earn Women’s Professional Soccer's Player of the Week for Week 3, the second straight week she's been honored. 

The Hawaiian goalkeeper becomes the first player to win the award in successive weeks since WPS kicked off in 2009. She is also one of nine players honored multiple times in a season. Western New York forward Marta and magicJack forward Abby Wambach have each won five times.

Lipsher, made 13 saves to lead the Beat in a 2-2 draw Saturday night with the visiting Western New York Flash. She made 11 saves a week earlier in Atlanta's 1-0 victory over Sky Blue FC. The Beat have claimed a combined four points and sit tied with the Flash at the top of the WPS table. 

The WPS Player of Week is selected by a panel of journalists from the North American Soccer Reporters.

 Week 1: Allie Long (Sky Blue FC)

Week 2: Alli Lipsher (Atlanta Beat)

Week 3: Alli Lipsher (Atlanta Beat) 

Q &A with Alli Lipsher 

What has the move to Atlanta been like? 

It's been great, it was such an easy move and the staff and team have made all the transitions into the season so smooth.

Describe the feeling of making eleven saves last Saturday to shut out Sky Blue FC and then 13 against Western New York Flash.

It always feels good to make saves! They were fun nights, and the team’s energy and hard work were really amazing to watch from the back line. 

What are the team's biggest strengths, and how did that contribute to these results? 

Our biggest strengths are our work ethic and our commitment to a common goal. We are very good at compartmentalizing the game into individual facets, whether it be a transition through the midfield, or defensive shape, and focusing on one thing at a time to help improve our overall game.

Who do you look up to for inspiration? One athlete, one non-athlete and why?

I really think that everyday people are incredibly inspiring. There are a million amazing things going on in the world right now that no one knows about or has heard of. When I come across those stories, that is when I am truly inspired.

What is your favorite thing about playing professional soccer?

My favorite thing about playing professional soccer is being part of a team and being a part of something bigger than myself. I don't think I've ever enjoyed it as much as I am enjoying it this year. I feel really lucky to be a part of this team.

What advice would you give to young players hoping to make it to the highest level of soccer (or any sport)?

Do today what others will not so that you can do tomorrow what others cannot. That's what I try to live by, and it's worked so far. 

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About the Atlanta Beat

The Atlanta Beat joined Women’s Professional Soccer as one of two expansion clubs in the 2010 season. Atlanta entrepreneur T. Fitz Johnson secured the rights to the Atlanta team in September 2008 before the club officially became a WPS franchise on June 18, 2009. The Beat play all WPS home games in Kennesaw Georgia at KSU Soccer Stadium, the world’s only women’s soccer specific stadium of this magnitude. Atlanta’s new team takes on the same name as the market’s former Women’s United Soccer Association club which was the only WUSA team to reach the playoffs in every season. The Beat's colors are Ferrari Red, Championship Gold, and Black.

Women’s Professional Soccer

Women’s Professional Soccer is the world’s best soccer league for women, featuring stars from the U.S. National team and around the globe. In 2011, WPS will feature a six-team league playing 18-games each from April through August for the chance to qualify for the WPS Playoffs. The top team in the regular season will earn the right to host the WPS Championship presented by Citi as the top seed on August 27. The six teams include Atlanta Beat, Boston Breakers, Philadelphia Independence, Sky Blue FC (New Jersey), magicJack (Florida) and Western New York Flash.

About WellStar

WellStar Health System is the official jersey sponsor and Healthcare provider for the Atlanta Beat of Women’s Professional Soccer. WellStar, a not-for-profit health system, includes Cobb, Douglas, Kennestone, Paulding and Windy Hill hospitals; WellStar Physicians Group; Urgent Care Centers; Health Place; Homecare; Hospice; Atherton Place; Paulding Nursing Center; and WellStar Foundation. For more information, call 770-956-STAR or visit www.wellstar.org.