Alex Morgan is a soccer superstar. In 2009, she became the youngest member of the U.S. women’s national soccer team. Her list of career accomplishments goes on…and on…and on. As a soccer fan, you probably already know all those facts. Did you know her jersey number is also her favorite number, 13? We bet you didn’t!
For some things you probably didn’t know, check out the list of 13 fun facts about Alex Morgan below:
1. She’s an advocate for equality
Alex does not shy away from standing up for what she believes is right. In 2016, she and four other players filed a wage-discrimination action against the U.S. Soccer Federation. The issue? The women’s team was being paid around a quarter of the men’s team salary. This is despite the fact that the women’s team created $20 million more in revenue than the men’s team! Last year, an agreement was reached. Morgan, along with other USWNT stars, was pivotal in reaching a historic Collective Bargaining Agreement with U.S. Soccer and settling their equal pay lawsuit.
2. Alex Morgan is a New York Times best-selling author
Alex is not only incredibly athletic but also artistic! She wrote a book series titled The Kicks for middle-grade readers. When she published the first book in May 2013, it reached number seven on the list of the New York Times Best Sellers for middle school-age children. The focus of the book series is soccer (of course), but she also instills messages about empowerment, self-confidence, and teamwork. No surprise there since those are values Alex shows on and off the field.
3. She hit the books in college, hard
Alex Morgan played as a college athlete, but she put in the effort to become an accomplished student as well. She attended the prestigious University of California, Berkley, where she graduated a semester early with a degree in Political Economy.
4. She met her husband playing soccer in college
Alex married Orlando City midfielder, Servando Carrasco on New Year’s Eve in 2014. The two met when they were both playing soccer for UC Berkeley. They dated shortly after, got engaged in early December 2013, and married almost a year later.
5. She has a cat with a quirk
Alex has a sweet cat named Brooklyn who has six toes on each of its front paws. She also has two dogs, Blue and Kona.
6. She studied abroad
In the summer of 2009, during her college career, Alex studied abroad in the great city of Madrid.
7. She has a need for speed
Alex has a motorcycle license.
8. She lives a fully vegan lifestyle
Alex Morgan is probably one of the most well-known vegan women’s soccer players. She credits her diet for her ability to train more and recover more quicker.
9. She got a late start to soccer
Alex played many sports growing up, but she did not start club-team soccer until she was 14 years old. Before that, her love was gymnastics. Most soccer players who become stars start many years earlier. Although, this “late start” did not seem to affect Alex’s abilities in the slightest!
10. Her first international goal was against Cuba
She played during the 2008 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship in Puebla, Mexico.
11. Alex Morgan’s little-used nickname is Baby Horse
Her teammates lovingly gave her this nickname because of her youth and running style.
12. She incorporated maracas and Coke cans in her wedding
On December 31, 2014, Alex married Servando Carrasco (midfielder for Orlando City). Maracas were provided during the post-wedding party as a way to celebrate Carrasco’s heritage. All of the guests were given personalized Coke cans with their names on them.
13. She’s bilingual!
Alex Morgan speaks Spanish and English.
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