Celia Mann | Social Media Editor
September 13, 2024
One of the most influential players in the history of women’s soccer is retiring, something she announced just 3 days before stepping onto the field for her final match as a professional soccer player. Alex Morgan, one of the most accomplished female soccer players, left a profound impact both on and off the pitch and has paved the way for a more equal and empowered future for female athletes everywhere.
Morgan accomplished more in her career than almost any other player. She’s a two-time World Cup Champion (2015 and 2019), an Olympic gold medalist (2012), and U.S. Female Soccer player of the year in both 2012 and 2018. She scored a total of 123 goals during her professional career, the fifth highest number of any woman to ever play. Playing for multiple club teams including Portland Thorns FC, Orlando Pride, and San Diego Waves, where she earned the title of captain and led the Waves to win the NWSL shield in 2023. Not only was Alex a legendary player for her athletic ability, but she inspired hundreds of thousands of young girls to pursue their dreams within the sport.
A freshman at SCHS, Cailyn Carey, looks up to Morgan as a role model, explaining that “the first word that comes to mind” when describing Morgan “is confidence.” “She dribbles, passes, runs, shoots, and plays with pure confidence.” While watching Moran play, whether it be on TV during the World Cup or on the field in person at more local games, Carey shares that “[Morgan] inspired [her] to be more confident in [herself], on and off the field.”
As a mother, Morgan always strives to set the best example for her daughter, which sparked in her the desire to inspire girls around the globe. Devoted soccer player, Katie Babel recalls the first moments when she saw Alex Morgan, and what that meant to her: “When I was 10 and first getting into soccer, I remember turning on the TV and watching magic happen,” a memory that a young girl in awe would never forget. From a young age, Katie has had a passion for soccer but knew that she “truly fell in love with the game, and [she] knew [she] wanted to be just like that player one day, just like Alex Morgan,” after witnessing what she brought to the game.
Not only has Morgan inspired younger generations by performing for them on the field, but she even started her own organization, The Alex Morgan Foundation, with the mission to provide equality and opportunities for both moms and daughters on and off the field. Furthermore, Alex’s Homebreak, a second program she created, involves her purchasing tickets to Snapdragon Stadium for each of her games, selecting a new and diverse group of people, and giving countless families an opportunity to watch soccer and meet high-level players, an opportunity they might not receive otherwise. Through working closely with fellow players and the US Women’s National Team (USWNT), Morgan has provided immeasurable growth in the sport of women’s soccer, achieving her goal of creating more opportunities for girls’ involvement in the sport no matter the age, and advocating for fellow players, especially regarding equality and even pay.
While her retirement is a somber occasion, we celebrate all that this incredible individual was able to accomplish in her career. After announcing that she is pregnant with her second child, Morgan stepped off the pitch for the last time as a player, cleats in hand, thanking her fans for all of their everlasting support over the years. Her last 13 minutes on the pitch were memorable, and she will forever have a place in history as one of the most influential women’s soccer players to exist.
Thank you for all you’ve done for the sport, #13.
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