In recognition of National Girls and Women in Sports Day (Feb. 4), SI.com presents the best woman athlete by birth state, beginning with Mia Hamm, who became the youngest national team player in history when she was named to the U.S. women's soccer team at 15. She would go on to help the team win two World Cup titles and two Olympic gold medals during her 17-year national-team career. She retired in 2004 as the all-time leading scorer in international play, male or female, with 158 goals.

Check out the rest, some really cool photos: Best Woman Athlete by Birth State