Sept. 5th, 2024 was a historically sad day in history for United States women’s soccer fans. None other than THE Alex Morgan has officially announced her retirement from professional soccer. 

Morgan is one of the greatest goal-scorers in the history of the game, a champion of the U.S. Women’s National Team, or USWNT, and just an all-around popular women’s soccer star across the world. 

Now, it may seem a bit dramatic to spotlight an athlete’s retirement as a historical day for the U.S., but it’s only the truth. It is no secret that Morgan is considered one of the most incredible soccer players of all time, and it is sad to see her go. She will be greatly missed by fans and teammates as she walked off the field on Sept. 8 for the last time, which was only a few days after announcing her retirement. We fans did not have enough time to process this. Come on Morgan, what were you thinking? 

According to the USWNT.S. Women’s National Team website, “She[Morgan] scored in 86 of her 224 international appearances (good for ninth all-time in U.S. history), while making 158 starts, and she captained the USA 23 times during that span. In the 86 matches in which Morgan scored the USWNT never lost, going 76W-0L-10D.” 

In all seriousness, Morgan truly deserves this retirement. Her professional soccer career has lasted for the past 15 years. She started out very young, attending her first USWNT training camp at age 20. She is now 35 years old with a two-year-old daughter, and she just announced she and her husband’s second baby is on the way. 

Morgan is an all-around successful woman, both on and off the field, and she has truly made a name for herself as one of the greatest athletes of all time. She is known as a great role model for girls everywhere. She has always been a great example to me because of her determination and strength. I always really looked up to her as a kid and continue to do so now as a young adult. 

Many years ago, I had the privilege of watching her play in Nashville when I was maybe 10 years old. It is one of my favorite memories from my childhood. Morgan was such an inspiration for that little girl who just loved the game of soccer. I always looked forward to watching the USWNT games because I knew she would be playing. She helped motivate and encourage me to be a better player, and I thank her for that.

I think a lot of young girls who grew up watching Morgan probably think the same thing. She was not just a great athlete, but a hero to us. The path is not always easy for female athletes. She may have been good at what she did, but it is no mystery that even strong women struggle for success. Through it all, she stayed true to herself and continues to inspire people. Morgan may be a great athlete, but she is also a great teammate, role model, friend and mother. She is a woman of many talents who is beloved by so many loyal fans of the game. 

I wonder if she ever knew what she would become when she scored her very first goal. I only hope her daughter grows up to know her mom as the legend she is, and that they spend lots of time kicking the ball around their yard just enjoying the game. 

“My desire for success may have always driven me, but what I got in return was more than I could have ever asked and hoped for,” Morgan said in her final remarks to conclude her professional career.