USWNT Star Alex Morgan Faces NWSL Pushback After Welcoming Daughter
Alex Morgan has opened up about the challenges she faced within the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) after welcoming her daughter, Charlie. The former soccer player shared her insights during an interview with Alex Cooper on the Call Her Daddy podcast.
In the candid conversation, Morgan discussed the difficulties of navigating motherhood alongside her soccer career. She highlighted the lack of established rules and standards for mothers within the NWSL and national team, requiring her to negotiate arrangements with team management to accommodate her daughter during travel and team activities.
The USWNT athlete detailed instances of pushback she encountered, such as resistance to allowing her daughter in team spaces like meal rooms and locker rooms. Morgan emphasised the importance of advocating for herself and other mothers in the sport, setting precedents for accommodating children and caregivers within professional soccer environments.
In addition to raising her daughter Charlie, Morgan and her husband Servando Carrasco welcomed their son Enzo. She reflected on the challenges of juggling the demands of motherhood, professional soccer, and advocacy work, acknowledging the complexities of balancing these roles simultaneously.
Morgan recounted a specific incident in the NWSL where she insisted on securing a separate plane ticket for her daughter, underscoring her commitment to ensuring her child’s comfort and safety during team travel. By standing firm in her request, she established a new standard across the league for young children to have their own seats.
The retired soccer star expressed gratitude for the opportunity to advocate for mothers in the sport and break down barriers that hindered their participation and success. She acknowledged the multiple challenges she faced but remained determined to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for players with families.
Aside from her soccer career, Morgan shared insights into her life beyond the pitch, revealing that family priorities now dominate her time. While she tries to stay connected with her soccer peers, her focus has shifted to nurturing her relationships within her mom group, where her identity as a professional athlete often takes a back seat.
As Morgan continues to navigate the complexities of motherhood and advocacy in soccer, her experiences serve as a testament to the resilience and determination required to effect positive change within professional sports. By sharing her story, she sheds light on the ongoing work needed to create a more inclusive and accommodating environment for players with caregiving responsibilities.
In conclusion, Alex Morgan’s journey highlights the importance of challenging existing norms and advocating for greater support for mothers in sports. Her resilience in the face of pushback underscores the need for continued efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable playing field for all athletes, regardless of their parental status.