Press Box: Alex Morgan unties her boots

Jenny Allen, Contributing Writer 

U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team striker and phenom Alex Morgan has announced her retirement along with her second pregnancy, after 224 USWNT appearances, 123 goals, 53 assists and four World Cup showings.

Morgan played her last professional soccer match on Sept. 8 at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California against the North Carolina Charge.

Morgan is a three-time Olympic player, two-time Women’s World Cup champion, two-time U.S. Soccer’s Female Athlete of the Year and three-time finalist for FIFA World Player of the Year.

Morgan’s fandom began in 2008 during the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Final versus Korea DRP when she helped lead the team to a championship by scoring the winning goal, according to US Soccer. 

I believe one of the most captivating aspects of sports is the concept that fans have a favorite player that they support for a specific reason. In Alex Morgan’s case, the reason is more than her ability to play soccer. 

As the fan base for the player increases, so does the unique connection between the fan and the player. Many fans see certain players as a role model or a source of inspiration. 

Morgan made history in 2011 by becoming the youngest player at the time on the U.S. National Team for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, according to Britannica. 

By the following year, she gained another title as the youngest U.S. player to score 20 goals in a single season, continuing to show off her skill and age, according to The Coast News. 

Morgan became the face of women’s sports and soccer in general, establishing her place as a star. Seeing such a young athlete quickly become a leader influenced many athletes, including myself, to never give up. 

Personally, I always saw Morgan as one of the greatest female athletes, not only because of her top-tier performances, but more significantly, her off-the-field character. 

She is a published author. Her book series, “The Kicks,” is about soccer and teamwork. Morgan prioritized these books as a middle-grade series that promotes friendships, respect and joy within sports. 

Morgan and many other USWNT teammates sued the U.S. Soccer Federation in 2019 for gender discrimination. Morgan and her teammates fought for their equal rights when it came to working conditions and pay that were different from the men’s team, according to Britannica.

In 2022, a settlement was reached and the federation paid $24 million to USWNT players. The federation also agreed to pay both teams equal pay for all future tournaments and non-tournament games, according to Britannica.

Not only does this show Morgan’s love and passion for the game, but her morals. Watching Morgan fight inequalities for her and her teammates’ rights within men’s and women’s sports as I grew up inspired me. 

One of Morgan’s most monumental career moments was during the 2012 London Olympics in the semi-finals versus Canada. In the 123rd minute, she scored the winning goal, continuing her journey as a player and a leader, according to US Soccer.

No matter the sport, one of the hardest parts is keeping your composure during a high-pressure situation. When an athlete can keep their composure, it proves their level of skill and leadership.

Morgan successfully proved this when she scored from the penalty spot in 2022, leading to a 1-0 victory over Canada, which helped Team USA earn a spot in the 2024 Olympic Games, according to US Soccer.

This iconic moment for Morgan only added to her preexisting showcased talent. She proved her skill level is not going away with age and made it clear she is an elite athlete. 

I believe that knowing when the right time to take a step away is one of the most important moments of one’s career. After achieving many things and devoting majority of her life to soccer, she has shown a great sense of humility acknowledging that she has had her prime. 

Many athletes often prolong their careers, however, Morgan has recognized her time is over and can now take this opportunity to focus on herself and her family. 

Morgan’s ability to respectfully retire proves that her legacy will live beyond her on-the-field achievements.