Alex Morgan, Olympic gold medal winner and World Cup champion announced her retirement from professional soccer on September 5th, 2024. Morgan’s last game was on September 8th, only a few days later. Morgan, who represented the United States at the Olympics and the World Cup, explained that she and her husband are expecting their second child, which was a factor in making the decision to end her professional career. Morgan’s position in soccer history has impacted and inspired people like ROHS soccer coach Melissa VanGorden. “One of the most inspiring things about [Morgan] and many of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) players is their resilience. Morgan returned to soccer after suffering knee injuries and having a baby. Coming back from an injury is not easy, and to come back and still be elite, is incredible,” said VanGorden. Morgan and her soccer career have created a pathway for others to follow, whether in terms of life goals, or in the soccer team’s efforts at Royal Oak High School. Senior soccer player Hailey Barnwell respects and appreciates Morgan’s legacy. “Her role in making girls feel more comfortable and advocating for equal opportunities in women’s sports and equal pay will be missed,” Barnwell said. Some achievements Morgan has made during her legendary career include leading the U.S. Women’s National Team to two World Cups in 2015 and 2019, winning a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics, and a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games. Morgan’s successes made her among the most iconic, recognizable, and highest paid soccer players. Her 15-year career in professional soccer came to a close with over 200 goals and 88 assists over her 337 appearances