All-Star week is traditionally one of the slowest of the year for local sports. But not in 2007.

Two Connecticut sports icons are in their home state this week. One athlete is wrapping up her brilliant career while the other is just beginning his. But U.S. World Cup soccer captain Kristine Lilly and aspiring Nextel Cup driver Joey Logano share one thing: Greatness.

I interviewed Lilly yesterday and found her to be as warm, smart, and self deprecating as she is brilliant with a soccer ball. There is nothing better than someone whose humility exceeds their talent.

Lilly, who leads team USA against Norway Saturday at Rentschler Field, could go down as the greatest women's soccer player in U.S. history. The pride of Wilton is first in games played and second in goals to Mia Hamm. It will be her record 5th World Cup in China in two months. I hope she helps the U.S. win.

I am not sure Lilly or David Beckham or anyone else can ever make soccer what football or baseball is in America. It usually just doesn't translate on tv. But my kids play it. And at a young age, it's a much easier sport to teach kids to play than say football. I already told my 6 year old daughter all about Kristine Lilly--a great role model.

Joey Logano may not be a role model yet, but give him time. He's already one of the best 17 year old drivers ever. And how often do we say anything positive about a 17 year old behind the wheel! Mark Martin called Logano the best 14 year old driver he's ever seen.

Logano dropped into NBC 30 today for an exclusive interview. I found him to be funny, smart, and very polished for 17. The pride of Middletown (he moved down south when he was 9) races at Thompson Saturday. He hopes to be racing on the Nextel Cup circuit perhaps as soon as the next few years.

Logano's got a few miles to go before he's a world class athlete like Lilly. But he told me he hates to lose and that is often the first prerequisite for greatness.

I am glad I got to talk to two of Connecticut's finest. For each, the best may be yet to come.