Alex Morgan, a U.S. soccer star, announced her retirement on social media on Sept. 5.
Morgan shared with the public that she was pregnant with her second child and would play in the final NWSL game for the San Diego Wave before putting away her cleats for good.
As Morgan walked onto the field for her final time, fans held up posters and cheered to show their respect.
Morgan was named U.S. Soccer’s Female Athlete of the Year in 2012 and 2018, and she is a five-time FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11 selection. She is also a three-time finalist for FIFA World Player of the Year.
One of her biggest accomplishments is winning gold at the 2012 London Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games. Morgan was also on the U.S. Women’s National Team when they won the World Cup in 2015 and 2019.
Morgan is a role model to many soccer players across the world including two players here at Wayne State College. Freshman Madilyn Schmeling and Addison Walker of the Wayne State Girls Soccer Team both look up the Alex Morgan as a role model.
“Seeing all of her accomplishments and success has had an impact on me and made me want to get better,” Schmeling said. She has never given up. She has played on other pro teams that helped her get better to then make the roster for the U.S. team and play in the Olympics.”
Morgan has become a role model to more than just athletes, specifically women and little girls that are just starting out in soccer.
“A lot of soccer girls look up to her because she is very popular on social media, so people can see her around, notice her and want to be like her,” Schmeling said.
“A lot of people know who she is because of how good she is, her accomplishments, how hard she works and how much of a role model she is for all girls,” Walker said.
There is much that women soccer players and athletes in general can learn from Alex Morgan’s extensive life experience. She has a family, has been injured and when she was younger, she had to work especially hard for the talent she possesses today.
“She is hard-working, never gave up and was on both the Olympic and U.S National Team. She got to where she wanted to be, the highest level,” Schmeling said.
“She had a kid and has overcome some injuries, so it’s pretty impressive that she was still playing after all of that,” Walker said.
Following Morgan’s retirement, there might be players looking to “replace” or fill her role in the women’s soccer world.
“Everyone is different, so I don’t think she could be replaced, but someone else could take on a similar role,” Walker said.
Schmeling and Walker have been watching and following Alex Morgan throughout her career and have seen her accomplishments. They recall times Morgan doing or saying something that had a positive impact on their own soccer career.
Schmeling read Morgan’s book and resonated with the message to keep pushing through the hard times. The tough coaches Schmeling has worked with helped her relate to Morgan and the challenges she also endured.
“Don’t let certain people affect how you feel about the sport that you love, and don’t give up on it,” Walker said.