How Brady Wambach is related to USWNT legend Abby Wambach for UNC lacrosse

How Brady Wambach is related to USWNT legend Abby Wambach for UNC lacrosse originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

For most sports fans, it's a last name that will catch your attention immediately: Wambach.

One of the best players for the North Carolina Tar Heels' men's lacrosse team is Brady Wambach. And yep, he's related to U.S. women's soccer legend Abby Wambach.

Brady is a faceoff guy, but he's more than that -- after UNC wins faceoffs, Brady often stays on the field and makes plays.

This season, he has won 252-of-374 faceoffs entering Sunday's ACC Championship game. That works out to 67.4%.

He also has scored 10 goals and dished out four assists.

Much of the faceoff work comes with his own ability after the initial whistle, too, as Brady has picked up 162 ground balls this season. But he gets plenty of help from his talented wings, and it's a key aspect of the game that gives the Tar Heels high hopes for the entire postseason.

And there's certainly plenty of winning in Brady Wambach's genes.

How is Brady Wambach related to Abby Wambcah?

Brady is Abby's nephew.

He's the son of Peter and Carolyn Wambach. Peter passed away unexpectedly in December 2023 and was one of nine siblings of a group that also included Abby.

Brady grew up in Pittsford, N.Y., outside of Rochester, where he also played hockey. He eventually finished his prep career at the Salisbury School in Connecticut before matriculating to Chapel Hill.