Tuesday February 13, 2007
          After receiving multiple awards from the United Soccer Leagues, including W-League Defender of the Year, the Atlanta Silverbacks’ Leslie Gaston has been nominated for yet another award. Gaston is one of three finalists for the Amateur Athlete of the Year Award from the annual Atlanta Sports Awards presented by Applebee’s. The awards show, put on by the Atlanta Sports Council, will take place on Thursday night at the Fox Theatre. 

“I feel truly honored and humbled by this nomination which also serves as recognition for the entire Silverbacks Women’s team and the organization – an organization that I have been happy to be a part of for the past two years. It’s even more rewarding to know that the nominees are chosen by the public and I’m flattered to be included,” commented Gaston.

          In conjunction with partner Applebee’s restaurants, the nomination campaign was open to the public and promoted at all of the Atlanta-area Applebee’s locations. Winners were determined by a vote of the Atlanta Sports Awards Voting Academy, whose members consist of local sports media, athletic administrators and corporate leaders. Gaston, a former professional soccer player, gave up her professional status to be reinstated as an amateur athlete and joined the Silverbacks’ W-League team. The W-League, which plays under the USL umbrella, allows youth amateur and former professional athletes to play together in the top North American women’s league. Gaston has been nominated along with a water skier and a golfer.