Mayor Gloria Honors Soccer Star Alex Morgan with Key to the City

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 24, 2024

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DOWNLOAD: B-roll of the Key to the City and Proclamation presentation to Alex Morgan
DOWNLOAD: Photos of the Key to the City and Proclamation presentation

SAN DIEGO - Mayor Todd Gloria, City Council President pro Tem Joe LaCava, and City Councilmembers Marni von Wilpert and Raul Campillo today presented professional soccer player Alex Morgan with the Key to the City in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the sport and advocacy for equal pay in women's sports.

"Today, we honored a true legend who has done so much for soccer, for women, and for our city," said Mayor Todd Gloria. "Alex Morgan's achievements on the field are only part of her story - her commitment to advocating for equality and breaking barriers continue to inspire generations, including my niece. I'm proud to recognize her with our highest honor, our Key to the City."

Morgan, who retired in September after her final match with the San Diego Wave FC, is a two-time World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist. Throughout her storied career, Morgan earned 224 caps for the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT) and scored 123 goals, making her the fifth all-time leading scorer for the USWNT. She has been a powerful advocate for gender equity in sports, most notably championing the fight for equal pay for female athletes.

"Very few athletes rise to the level of world champion. Even fewer people change what future generations see as possible. Alex Morgan is both. Thanks to her, young girls are growing up seeing and believing they can be professional athletes and all people are reminded that barriers are meant to be broken," said City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera. "We want to express our gratitude and appreciation to Alex Morgan for elevating the beautiful game while raising the profile of US Women's soccer. Receiving the Key to City is a testament to her professional achievements, her role as a trailblazer, as well as her fight for equal pay."

"Alex Morgan's remarkable soccer career and her ability to inspire generations of players, fans, and teammates globally, nationally, and locally here in San Diego is unparalleled," said Council President Pro Tem Joe LaCava. "Her tireless efforts to uplift, advocate, and champion pay equity in women's sports have profoundly transformed the game and shifted perspectives for the better. Presenting Ms. Morgan with a Key to the City of San Diego reflects the deep pride and gratitude shared by San Diegans, Mayor Gloria, and the City Council for her extraordinary impact. We look forward to all that Alex will continue to achieve in her retirement."

In addition to presenting her with the Key to the City, the San Diego City Council proclaimed Sept. 8, 2024, as "Alex Morgan Day" in recognition of her final professional match with the San Diego Wave FC.

"Alex Morgan is more than an athlete - she's a role model and a trailblazer," said Councilmember Marni von Wilpert. "Today's honor is a small token of our gratitude for all she's done for San Diego and the world of sports. I am excited to see Alex continue to inspire future generations of girls throughout this City."

"Alex Morgan's contribution to San Diego will be marked by the way she has inspired an entire generation of young women and girls to reach for the stars," said City Councilmember Raul Campillo. "Alex Morgan is the true definition of a hero: someone who redefines what's possible for all of us."

Morgan last year launched the Alex Morgan Foundation, which is dedicated to creating equity and opportunity on the field and off by supporting girls and women as they find their path in sport and in life.

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