Julie Johnston - Rising star of U.S. women's national team

One of the keys to winning this Women's World Cup may rest at the feet of the player with the coloring book.

Julie Johnston, the 23-year-old who went from the fringe of the United States women's national team roster to a mainstay on the backline, spends her long flights coloring. She has a full set of crayons and even a book with stickers.

Don't mistake the hobby for immaturity, though. Johnston has been one of the headiest players in the tournament so far, winning Player of the Match on Friday against Nigeria in a game where Hope Solo kept a clean sheet and Abby Wambach scored. Not bad for someone who might not have made the team if not for injuries. Johnston didn't play a single minute in the team's qualifying matches.
— Eric Adelson