All-American doesn't mean the same thing as All-Star.

The Fourth of July may be over, but that doesn't mean we can't still feel pride in our country. And with the Summer Olympics on the horizon, beaming about the red, white and blue will be more in vogue than ever.

The designation of all-American is usually reserved for collegiate or prep athletes who haven't advanced to the point of playing for money. Ostensibly, this can indicate that they are playing as much for their love of the sport as the hope of progressing to the professional level.

While athletes can excel in their chosen sport, it takes added character, competitiveness and fan appeal to be considered an All-American athlete. Some athletes are so enriched with these characteristics that are seen as all-American athletic idols even after graduating on to a pro team.

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