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 renowned for her skill as a winger. Primarily playing for OL Reign and the United States national team, she achieved significant accolades, including the Ballon d'Or Féminin and The Best FIFA Women's Player in 2019. Rapinoe secured Olympic gold in 2012 and FIFA Women's World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019, also contributing to the U.S.'s second-place finish in the 2011 World Cup. She served as co-captain of the national team from 2018 to 2020. Her professional career also included stints with Chicago Red Stars, Philadelphia Independence, and magicJack in the WPS, as well as 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 is an American former professional soccer player.

Others born on this day/year

1999: Olympic Development Program

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

2002: Regional ODP Team

In 2002, Megan Rapinoe played for the regional Olympic Development Program (ODP) team.

2009: Began relationship with Sarah Walsh

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

2011: Scored at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup

In 2011, Rapinoe was named to the United States roster for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup. During the team's second group stage match against Colombia, she scored almost immediately after entering the match in the 50th minute. Rapinoe celebrated her goal by singing Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A." into an on-field microphone.

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July 2012: Publicly came out as a lesbian

In July 2012, Rapinoe publicly came out as a lesbian in the July 2012 edition of Out.

2013: Ended relationship with Sarah Walsh

In 2013, Rapinoe and Sarah Walsh ended their approximately five-year relationship.

2013: Became an ambassador for Athlete Ally

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

August 2015: Announced engagement to Sera Cahoone

In August 2015, Rapinoe and Sub Pop recording artist Sera Cahoone announced their engagement.

2015: Stood in silence for the national anthem

During the 2015 World Cup, she stood in silence for the national anthem. She spoke out against the use of stadiums with artificial turf, its first use in a senior women's or men's World Cup tournament.

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 to protest racial injustice and minority oppression.

September 15, 2016: Continued Protest and U.S. Soccer Statement

On September 15, 2016, Megan Rapinoe continued her protest during the national team game against Thailand. U.S. Soccer then issued a statement regarding players honoring the flag and national anthem.

September 2016: Kneeled during the national anthem

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

2016: Began dating Sue Bird

In 2016, Rapinoe began dating Sue Bird.

2016: Involved in equal pay complaint

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

January 2017: Wedding plans put on hold

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

July 20, 2017: Confirmed dating Sue Bird

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

September 2017: Signed up for "Common Goal" campaign

In September 2017, Rapinoe and U.S. teammate Alex Morgan joined the "Common Goal" campaign created by Juan Mata, donating one percent of their individual wages to soccer-related charities. They were the first two women players to sign on to the campaign.

2018: Featured on the cover of ESPN's The Body Issue

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

March 2019: Filed lawsuit against the United States Soccer Federation

In March 2019, Rapinoe, along with 27 of her U.S. Women's soccer teammates, filed a lawsuit against the United States Soccer Federation accusing it of gender discrimination, hoping to achieve equal pay.

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, Rapinoe and Sue Bird announced their engagement.

November 2020: Publication of "One Life" Autobiography

In November 2020, Megan Rapinoe published her autobiography, "One Life", which details her early life, career highlights and setbacks, activism, and personal relationships. The book became a New York Times best seller.

One Life

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2020: Discussed brother's drug abuse and incarceration

During a 2020 interview with Terry Gross on Fresh Air, Rapinoe discussed how her older brother suffered from drug abuse and spent time in jail, where he became involved with white supremacist groups.

2020: Democratic National Convention Panel

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

September 2021: Signed Amicus Brief Supporting Abortion Rights

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

June 2022: Criticism of Roe v. Wade Overturn

In June 2022, Megan Rapinoe criticized the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, joining several other athletes in expressing their disapproval of the ruling.