In a heartfelt ceremony on Sunday, the San Diego Wave retired Alex Morgan‘s iconic No. 13 jersey, ensuring that it will never again be worn by another player in the club’s history. The event took place at Snapdragon Stadium, where fans donned jerseys celebrating Morgan’s legacy, which spans both her time with the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) and her contributions to the Wave. The tribute came after the team suffered a 3-0 loss to the Houston Dash.
A Transformative Journey
During the emotional presentation, Morgan expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you for so many moments in my career. Three years may seem like a short period of time, but honestly these three years have been the most transformative.” She reflected on her journey with the Wave, highlighting significant milestones such as making the playoffs, winning the Shield in the second season, and claiming the Challenge Cup in the third season.
Before the jersey retirement, Morgan emphasized the bond she has formed with the fans, acknowledging the “ebbs and flows” experienced during her time with the club. “There’s just something about sports that brings people together,” she said. Her words resonated deeply among the crowd, which included approximately 100 family members and friends, as well as former teammates like Tobin Heath.
A Legacy Etched in History
The retirement ceremony featured a variety of fan tributes, including pink headbands inspired by Morgan. A large structure displaying the No. 13, wrapped in pink, served as a focal point, and fans attached messages of appreciation to it. These notes ranged from simple drawings by children to heartfelt letters from mothers who found inspiration in Morgan’s journey, especially her ability to continue playing after giving birth to her first child in 2020.
In a poignant moment, Morgan reflected on her storied career that has included winning the World Cup twice and earning an Olympic gold medal. With a total of 123 international goals, she ranks fifth in USWNT history. Morgan has played for seven professional clubs across two continents, making significant contributions to the sport in various leagues, including the UEFA Champions League.
After retiring from professional play last year, Morgan announced in May 2023 that she had taken an ownership stake in the Wave, marking a new chapter in her connection with the club. “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, there was a lot of sweat and tears,” she stated. “To be able to now see it up in the rafters… it is kind of etched in history forever.”
As the crowd cheered and celebrated, Morgan’s retirement of No. 13 stands not just as a tribute to her exceptional career but also as a symbol of possibility for young athletes aspiring to follow in her footsteps.
