April 27, 2024 — Washington, D.C.On Friday, 32-year-old Becky Sauerbrunn, two-time World Cup winner and former captain of the US Women’s National Soccer Team, announced her intention to retire from professional soccer in a tearful press conference. It marks both the end of an iconic career and her rise as one of the very best defenders in the sport’s history, one that young aspiring athletes aspire to become.
She shimmers like an evening star, she is something that every aspiring athlete looks up to.
Sauerbrunn began to play for the USWNT in 2008 when she was drafted to Washington Freedom. With the following 16 years of absolute performance, she is synonymous with leadership, resilience, and quality. As a crucial player of the USWNT, she has enormously contributed to the USWNT’s victories in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 and 2019, all served with accolades about her being strategy-oriented and spirited on the pitch.
Since 2016, when she was appointed captain until her retirement in 2023, she achieved many successes. They include Olympic gold medals, as well as usually being considered among the best defenders in the world. Otherwise, Sauerbrunn has consistently spoken out for issues surrounding women’s soccer, such as equal pay, better playing conditions, and ensured coverage for women’s soccer.
Goodbye Message
According to Sauerbrunn who was quoted as saying that when she released the retirement announcement, she noted that she would always cherish the opportunity given to her by her teammates, coaches, and fans. “I consider it a priviledge to have been able to represent my country, and be teammates with some of the hardest working and gifted individuals I have come across,” she said. I can never be happier with what has happened and the memories that I am making will be precious to me.
1796 characters | 308 words
Teeming social media with tributes to Sauerbrunn’s impact on and off the pitch are teammates and former opponents. Fellow World Cup champion Megan Rapinoe, in praising her longtime friend and leader, said: “Becky is the heart and soul of this team.
Her leadership and passion have inspired us all. We will miss her immensely.”.
US Soccer Federation President Cindy Parlow Cone added to the praise: “Becky Sauerbrunn has been a cornerstone of our program and a role model for aspiring athletes everywhere. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.”
Moving Forward
Although Sauerbrunn will be leaving professional playing, she doesn’t intend to leave the game. She just recently announced that she’ll take a mentorship position with the USWNT and is open to every opportunity that may be linked to sports administration and advocacy. Not only this but also plans on starting her very own foundation to help the many young females in sports acquire much-needed equipment and other resources.
A Lasting Legacy
This retirement marks the end of a great chapter in women’s soccer as Becky Sauerbrunn has exemplified commitment, leadership, and advocacy for the USWNT that catapults it to international greatness while further opening doors for recognition and support of women in sports. The soccer community is losing one of its brightest as it farewells Becky Sauerbrunn; her legacy will live on and continue to inspire future generations to strive for greatness both on and off the field.
