Maytag's "Outstanding Soccer Mom Search" culminated today during the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) Founders Cup III championship game in San Diego. WUSA star Brandi Chastain, along with Ol' Lonely(R), the Maytag(R) Repairman, and his Apprentice, announced Laura Belnap, a mother of six from Bountiful, Utah, as the most dependable, fun-loving and supportive soccer mom in America.

As grand prizewinner, Belnap received a suite of Maytag appliances, a new Hyundai Santa Fe Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), a free trip for four people to the championship game and a luxurious spa makeover.

In the 150-word nomination submitted by friend Kristen Gardner, Belnap was praised for her commitment to family, soccer and the community. Belnap, who has lost two children -- one seven months ago in a car accident and the other six years ago by accidental drowning -- maintains an active lifestyle by home schooling more than 15 elementary-age children and operating a scrapbook club out of her home. Through it all, soccer has been "a support, an outlet and a sanctuary" for the entire Belnap family, Gardner said in her entry. Belnap has been a member of the South Davis Soccer Association board for several years. She arranges refereeing clinics for free, schedules games, attends all of her children's games and coaches her daughter's team.

Belnap was named Maytag's Outstanding Soccer Mom after the judges -- Chastain and the four finalists from last year -- reviewed more than 1,300 nominations from across the country. "I never thought I'd be recognized for just being a mom -- something that comes so naturally," said Belnap. "It's quite an accomplishment. I was blessed with great kids and I always enjoy being able to be there to support them."

The judges also selected three other finalists -- Annette Badger of Holladay, Utah, first runner-up; Rita Mahan of Alpharetta, Ga., second runner-up; and Jane Griffin of Woodstock, Ill., third runner-up -- who were flown to the game along with three guests each. The finalists were treated to spa makeovers and received at least one Maytag appliance of their choice.

"There are so many passionate mothers out there who support their children's athletic endeavors," said Hilary Rowe, Maytag assistant brand manager. "At Maytag, we are proud to provide a forum for these women to be recognized."

Nominations for the contest, which ran from April 5 through July 14, were submitted online at www.maytag.com , mailed to the contest address or entered at specified WUSA games. Maytag Appliances is the official home appliance sponsor of the WUSA.

Gardner's complete entry about Belnap read:

Laura Belnap and her husband Eric brought six children into this world -- four now remain. One drowned (six years ago) and the other was killed in a car accident (six months ago). Through this, soccer has been a support, an outlet and a sanctuary from the storm for Laura and all of her children. Laura is a member of the South Davis Soccer Association board and has been for several years. She arranges all refereeing clinics free of charge, schedules games, attends all of her children's games, coaches her daughter's team, operates a scrap-booking association from her house, and home-schools 15-20 elementary children that have had problems with public school. To say her schedule is full would be an understatement. But through all of this, her trials and challenges, she is an incredible neighbor, leader, friend, associate and mother. She is the one who can always be seen on the sidelines of every game encouraging her children, whatever weather comes, to get the ball and go on!

For the better part of a century, Maytag(R) brand appliances have been synonymous with dependability and quality. Based in Newton, Iowa, Maytag Appliances offers a full line of high-performance appliances, including the Maytag(R) Gemini(R) double-oven range, Maytag Neptune(R) and Atlantis(R) washers and dryers, Maytag Wide-by-Side(TM) refrigerator with ClimateZone(TM) technology, and Jetclean(R) II, the world's first three-rack dishwasher. For more information on any Maytag appliance or to purchase an appliance online, visit www.maytag.com .