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 celebrated American former professional soccer player, primarily a winger, known for her time with OL Reign and the United States national team. A Ballon d'Or Féminin and The Best FIFA Women's Player recipient in 2019, she achieved significant success, including Olympic gold in 2012 and FIFA Women's World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019. She co-captained the national team from 2018 to 2020 alongside Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan. Besides her accomplishments with the national team, Rapinoe also played for Chicago Red Stars, Philadelphia Independence, and magicJack in Women's Professional Soccer (WPS), as well as Lyon Women in France's Division 1 Féminine. Rapinoe is also known for her outspoken activism.

Sections (5)

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

July 5, 1985: Megan Rapinoe Born

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 Olympic Development Program

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

2004: All-American Selection

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

2005: NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship

In 2005, as a freshman, Megan Rapinoe helped the Portland Pilots to an undefeated season and the NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship, earning several accolades including NSCAA First Team All-American and West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year.

2006: Season-Ending Injury

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

2007: Second Season-Ending Injury

In 2007, Megan Rapinoe suffered her second season-ending ACL injury two games into the season, leading to a medical hardship waiver by the NCAA.

2009: Began relationship with Sarah Walsh

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

2011: Scored goal and sang "Born in the U.S.A." at 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup

During the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, Rapinoe scored a goal against Colombia and celebrated 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 lesbian

In July 2012, Rapinoe publicly came out as a lesbian in Out, stating that she had been in a relationship with Australian soccer player Sarah Walsh since 2009.

2013: Board of Directors Award

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

2013: Ended relationship with Sarah Walsh

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

2013: Became 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 and spoke out against artificial turf

During the 2015 World Cup, Rapinoe stood in silence for the national anthem. She also 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: Kneeled During National Anthem in Solidarity with Colin Kaepernick

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 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 the expectation that players and coaches will stand and honor the flag during the national anthem.

September 2016: Kneeled during national anthem in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick

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: Started dating Sue Bird

In late 2016, Rapinoe started dating Sue Bird.

2016: Involved in women's team's 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 with Sera Cahoone put on hold

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

July 20, 2017: Confirmed relationship with Sue Bird

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

September 2017: Signed up for the "Common Goal" campaign

In September 2017, Rapinoe and U.S. teammate Alex Morgan were part of a group of soccer players who signed up for the "Common Goal" campaign created by Juan Mata of Manchester United. As participants in the campaign, players donate one percent of their individual wages in support of other soccer-related charities. Rapinoe and Morgan were the first two women players to sign on to the campaign.

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

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

March 2019: Filed lawsuit against United States Soccer Federation for gender discrimination

In March 2019, 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, hoping to achieve equal pay.

December 2019: Endorsed Elizabeth Warren in 2020 Democratic Primaries

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: Published Autobiography One Life

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

One Life

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2020: Hosted Panel 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: Brother's struggles with drug abuse and incarceration

In a 2020 interview on Fresh Air, Rapinoe discussed how her older brother had suffered with drug abuse and had spent time in jail, including solitary confinement. Her brother became involved with white supremacist groups within prison.

September 2021: Signed Amicus Brief Supporting Abortion Rights

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.

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, a landmark decision regarding abortion rights.

June 21, 2023: Named to United States squad for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

On June 21, 2023, Andonovski named Rapinoe to the United States squad for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia. On July 8, she announced that the 2023 World Cup would be her last major tournament, and that she would retire from professional soccer at the end of the year.