Thank You USWNT: For fighting on and off the field.

Not only are the players on the USWNT fiercely competitive, but they are role models on and off the field. They are an embodiment of American pride shining a ray of light in a tumultuous time in American politics. Rapinoe and the USWNT are as strong on and off the field.

This team drew a lot of attention because they came out strong in their play and in their values and they were, rightfully, unapologetic for it. Megan Rapinoe, specifically, had a legendary world cup and not just from her athletic performance but also the political and social fight she carried along the way. 

Rapinoe had the team on her back

Rapinoe carried the political and social burden for her team. Whether she knew it, or not, by utilizing the platform World Cup brings to stand up and fight socially and politically it took the microscope off the rest of the team. Thankfully this type of pressure and spotlight fuels Rapinoe. She took a beating that would leave most paralyzed and channeled that energy into success and greatness. Rapinoe took the opportunity while in the limelight to fight for others. 

Who is Rapinoe fighting for?

• LGBTQIA community. Rapinoe is openly gay, and others on the USWNT, they lead by example showing that it is okay to be who you are. There is an article on why this is so important, you can read more here.
• Women Athletes. Equal Pay for women athletes. Rapinoe and the USWNT are fighting for equal pay. Given that the USWNT generates a lot of revenue through ticket, tv, and apparel sales this is a strong fight. Read more on the class-action lawsuit brought by the USWNT here.
• Americans. Speaking up politically, whether it is quietly protesting the national anthem or being vocal about not supporting the administration. This shows us that you can still be wholly American by dissenting and standing up for what you believe is right. 

Rapinoe is confident and outspoken and that bothers some people, but after her performance maybe it’s time to get onboard. She spoke and delivered. If all of us had even a modicum of Rapinoe in us or surrounding us we would all be better off. 

The USWNT is a group of role models filled with pride and character.

Rapinoe did not win on her own, they won as a team. To have the platform, Rapinoe needed the team behind her. The results show they were all in this together. It is a testament to the leadership and the strength of the team as a whole. Teams as strong as the USWNT don’t come along often, but when they do, they are a reminder to the rest of us on what excellence looks like. To achieve greatness you must work hard and you must work together. Supporting each other in the most challenging of times. The pride, competition, and support on this team is an example for us all, not just as athletes, but as people. 

To the USWNT, thank you. Thank you for showing everyone that standing up for what you believe in, standing up for others, and standing up with pride and integrity pays off.