Early Life and Education of Megan Rapinoe: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Megan Rapinoe. From birth to education, explore key events.

Megan Rapinoe is a retired American professional soccer player, primarily a winger, renowned for her career with OL Reign in the NWSL and the United States national team. Acknowledged as one of the best, she won the Ballon d'Or Féminin and The Best FIFA Women's Player in 2019. Rapinoe secured gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics, the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, and the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. She was also a key player in the 2011 World Cup team that finished second. She co-captained the national team from 2018 to 2020, alongside Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan. Beyond the US team, she played for Chicago Red Stars, Philadelphia Independence, and magicJack in WPS, and Lyon Women in France.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

July 5, 1985: Megan Rapinoe's Birth

On July 5, 1985, Megan Anna Rapinoe was born. She later became a professional soccer player.

Others born on this day/year

1999: Selection to the Under-14 Northern California ODP Team

In 1999, Rapinoe played for the under-14 Northern California state Olympic Development Program (ODP) team.

2002: Joins Elk Grove Pride

In 2002, Megan Rapinoe joined Elk Grove Pride in the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL).

2002: Selection to the regional ODP Team

In 2002, Rapinoe was selected for the regional Olympic Development Program (ODP) team.

2004: McDonald's All-American

In 2004, Rapinoe was named to the McDonald's All-American Girls High School Soccer West Team.

2006: First ACL Injury

In 2006, during a match against Washington State University on October 5, Rapinoe suffered her first season-ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

2007: Second ACL Injury

In 2007, Rapinoe suffered her second season-ending ACL injury two games into the season.

2009: Began relationship with Sarah Walsh

In 2009, Megan Rapinoe began a relationship with Australian soccer player Sarah Walsh.

2011: Scored against Colombia in World Cup

During the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup match against Colombia, Megan Rapinoe scored and celebrated by singing "Born in the U.S.A." into an on-field microphone.

2011: "Megan Rapinoe Day" in Redding

Following the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, Megan Rapinoe's hometown of Redding honored her with a parade and named September 10 "Megan Rapinoe Day", celebrating her achievements.

July 2012: Publicly came out as lesbian

In July 2012, Megan Rapinoe publicly came out as a lesbian in an interview with Out magazine, also stating that she had been in a relationship with Sarah Walsh since 2009.

April 11, 2013: Featured in The New York Times

On April 11, 2013, The New York Times featured an article about Megan Rapinoe's experiences in France, with the national team, and her decision to come out publicly before the 2012 Olympics.

2013: Ended relationship with Sarah Walsh

In 2013, Megan Rapinoe and Sarah Walsh ended their relationship after approximately five years together.

2013: Became ambassador for Athlete Ally

In 2013, Megan Rapinoe became an ambassador for Athlete Ally, a nonprofit organization that focuses on ending homophobia and transphobia in sports.

2013: Board of Directors Award from the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center

In 2013, Rapinoe received the Board of Directors Award from the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center for her advocacy.

August 2015: Announced engagement to Sera Cahoone

In August 2015, Megan Rapinoe and Sera Cahoone announced their engagement.

2015: Stood in silence for national anthem

During the 2015 World Cup, Megan Rapinoe stood in silence for the national anthem and spoke out against the use of stadiums with artificial turf.

September 4, 2016: Kneeling During National Anthem

On September 4, 2016, during a game in Chicago against the Red Stars, Megan Rapinoe knelt during the national anthem in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick, protesting racial injustice and minority oppression.

September 15, 2016: Continued National Anthem Protest

On September 15, 2016, Megan Rapinoe continued her protest by kneeling during the national anthem at the national team game against Thailand, prompting a statement from U.S. Soccer regarding expectations for players to honor the flag.

September 2016: Kneeled during national anthem

In September 2016, Megan Rapinoe garnered national attention for kneeling during the national anthem at an international match in solidarity with NFL player Colin Kaepernick.

2016: Started dating Sue Bird

In late 2016, Megan Rapinoe began dating basketball player Sue Bird.

2016: Involved in equal pay complaint

Since at least 2016, Megan Rapinoe has been involved in the women's team's equal pay complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

January 2017: Wedding plans on hold

In January 2017, Megan Rapinoe stated that her wedding plans with Sera Cahoone were on hold.

July 20, 2017: Confirmed relationship with Sue Bird

On July 20, 2017, Megan Rapinoe and basketball player Sue Bird confirmed that they had been dating since late 2016.

September 2017: Joined "Common Goal" campaign

In September 2017, Megan Rapinoe and U.S. teammate Alex Morgan joined the "Common Goal" campaign, pledging one percent of their wages to soccer-related charities.

2018: First same-sex couple on cover of ESPN's The Body Issue

In 2018, Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe became the first same-sex couple on the cover of ESPN's The Body Issue.

March 2019: Filed lawsuit against US Soccer Federation

In March 2019, Megan Rapinoe, along with 27 of her US Women's soccer teammates, filed a lawsuit against the United States Soccer Federation accusing it of gender discrimination.

December 2019: Endorsement of Elizabeth Warren

In December 2019, Megan Rapinoe endorsed Elizabeth Warren in the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries.

October 30, 2020: Announced engagement to Sue Bird

On October 30, 2020, Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird announced their engagement.

November 2020: Publication of Autobiography "One Life"

In November 2020, Megan Rapinoe published her autobiography, "One Life", which details her early life, career, activism, and personal relationships. The book became a New York Times bestseller and was optioned by Sony Pictures Television.

2020: Panel Host at Democratic National Convention

During the opening night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention, Megan Rapinoe hosted a panel with frontline workers of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Discussed brother's struggles with drug abuse

In a 2020 interview with Terry Gross on Fresh Air, Megan Rapinoe discussed her older brother's struggles with drug abuse and involvement with white supremacist groups in prison.

September 2021: Signed amicus brief supporting abortion rights

Back in September 2021, Megan Rapinoe was one of five hundred former and current athletes who signed an amicus brief supporting abortion rights for the Supreme Court case.