Ex-US Soccer star Abby Wambach tells students to learn from her mistakes — VIDEO

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

9 years ago

Dec 16, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; United States of America forward Abby Wambach (20) salutes fans as she walks off the field following her final appearance with the team following a game against the China PR in the final game of the World Cup Victory Tour that took place at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. China PR defeated United States of America 1-0. (Derick E. Hingle/USA Today Sports)

(Screengrab YouTube)

Jul 7, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; United States forward Abby Wambach hoists the FIFA World Cup trophy at 2015 Womens World Cup champions celebration at Microsoft Square at L.A. Live. (Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports)

Jul 10, 2015; New York, NY, USA; United States forward Abby Wambach (right), forward Christen Press (center) and defender Julie Johnston (left) celebrate winning the Women’s World Cup in a ticker tape parade. (Robert Deutsch/USA Today Sports)

Jul 7, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; United States forward Abby Wambach takes a photo with a cell phone at 2015 Womens World Cup champions celebration at Microsoft Square at L.A. Live. (Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports)

Jul 7, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; United States forward Abby Wambach addresses fans at 2015 Womens World Cup champions celebration at Miscrosoft Square at L.A. Live. (Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports)

Jul 5, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; United States forward Abby Wambach (20) celebrates after defeating Japan in the final of the FIFA 2015 Women’s World Cup at BC Place Stadium. United States won 5-2. (Michael Chow-USA TODAY Sports)

Jun 22, 2015; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; United States forward Abby Wambach (20) kicks a penalty kick during the second half against the Colombia in the round of sixteen in the FIFA 2015 women’s World Cup soccer tournament at Commonwealth Stadium. (Erich Schlegel/USA Today Sports)

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Retired U.S. soccer star Abby Wambach urged University of Arkansas students to learn from her mistakes after her arrest earlier this month on a drunken driving charge.

Wambach made the comments Monday during a speech in Fayetteville, a week after she pleaded guilty in Oregon to driving under the influence of intoxicants. Wambach could have her charges dismissed within a year by enrolling in a diversion program available to first-time offenders.

Fayetteville television station KHOG reports that Wambach says she’s owned up publicly to her mistakes and doesn’t want to “hide behind the veil of … legal representation.”

Wambach is the leading career scorer — male or female — in international soccer with 184 goals. She retired in December after 15 years with the national team.