On Sunday, the San Diego Wave paid tribute to one of soccer’s most celebrated players, Alex Morgan, by retiring her iconic No. 13 jersey. The ceremony took place at Snapdragon Stadium following a 3-0 loss to the Houston Dash. This memorable event marked a significant moment in the history of the club and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
As fans filled the stands wearing Morgan’s jerseys, the atmosphere was charged with emotion. The Wave honored her contributions to the team and the sport, presenting her with a framed jersey in a heartfelt ceremony. Morgan, visibly moved, expressed her gratitude, stating, “Thank you for so many moments in my career.” She reflected on her time with the Wave, emphasizing the transformative nature of her three years with the club.
Celebrating Achievements and Community
Morgan highlighted the milestones the team achieved during her tenure, including playoff appearances, winning the Shield in their second season, and capturing the Challenge Cup in their third. She acknowledged the unwavering support from fans, stating, “We have been through it. The ebbs and flows, the highs and lows, there’s just something about sports that brings people together.” Her words resonated with the audience, many of whom had traveled long distances to witness the occasion.
Among the attendees were approximately 100 of Morgan’s family and friends, including Tobin Heath, a former teammate. Morgan noted the significance of her No. 13 jersey being retired, saying, “To see my time here in San Diego, and that it did make as much of an impact as it did in order to get [No. 13] retired… it is kind of etched in history forever.”
The Wave’s tribute included giving away pink headbands to fans, reminiscent of Morgan’s signature style, and a large structure representing her jersey number decorated in pink. Attached to this display were heartfelt messages from fans, ranging from simple notes by children to elaborate letters from mothers inspired by Morgan’s journey, particularly her ability to balance motherhood with her professional career.
A Legacy of Excellence
Morgan’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. After nearly 15 years in the sport, she announced her retirement in 2022, coinciding with the announcement of her second pregnancy. In May 2023, she made headlines again by acquiring an ownership stake in the Wave, demonstrating her commitment to the club and the league.
A celebrated athlete, Morgan is a two-time World Cup winner and an Olympic champion, with an impressive tally of 123 international goals, ranking fifth in the history of the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT). Her journey has taken her across various professional clubs and leagues, including a stint in Europe, where she won the UEFA Champions League.
The retirement of her No. 13 jersey is not just a personal milestone for Morgan; it symbolizes the impact she has had on the sport and the generation of athletes who look up to her. As she concludes this chapter of her life, Morgan’s legacy in soccer will undoubtedly inspire future players for years to come.
