James finished her UCLA career in December by playing in the national championship game in San Jose. She ranks second on UCLA's career scoring (65) and goals scored (26) lists. She is a two-sport athlete who also has qualified twice for the Pacific-10 Conference track meet in the triple jump.

Venus Patrice James. Majored in sociology and history at UCLA. Father Walter is a retired plumber; mother Renee is a secretary. Earliest soccer memory: Her first practice as an 8-year-old when she did goalie punts. Favorite soccer player: Edgar Davids who is "fast but very strong, powerful and skillful – the whole package.'' Significance of the 1999 Women's World Cup: "It showed Americans what the rest of the world already knew, that soccer is a great game. And it showed the world that women know how to play." Pre-game ritual: Pray and juggle 20 or more times with her feet only. Community activities: Read Across America. Favorite sport other than soccer: Track and field. If she could be any athlete for one day: Muhammad Ali "because in his lifetime he has experienced so much. And I want to know what he is thinking." Three favorite foods: Her mother's tacos, her grandma's rice and gravy, anything she doesn't have to cook. What she's most passionate about: Soccer. "It's part of my self-identity. I dream it, think it, breathe it every day."