San Diego mayor honors soccer star Alex Morgan with 'Key to the City'

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- In a ceremony Thursday, Mayor Todd Gloria awarded San Diego Wave FC star Alex Morgan the Key to the City, celebrating her remarkable contributions to the sport and her advocacy for equal pay in women’s athletics.

The mayor was joined by City Council President Pro Tem Joe LaCava, along with Councilmembers Marni von Wilpert and Raul Campillo,

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

Morgan, who recently retired after her last match with the San Diego Wave FC, is a two-time World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist. With 224 caps and 123 goals for the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), she stands as the fifth all-time leading scorer in the team's history. Her legacy extends beyond her athletic prowess; Morgan has been a prominent voice for gender equity in sports, notably championing the fight for equal pay for female athletes.

“Very few athletes rise to the level of world champion. Even fewer change what future generations see as possible. Alex Morgan is both,” commented Elo-Rivera. “Thanks to her, young girls are growing up believing they can be professional athletes, and all people are reminded that barriers are meant to be broken.”

LaCava added, “Alex Morgan's remarkable soccer career and her ability to inspire players and fans locally and globally is unparalleled. Her tireless advocacy for pay equity in women's sports has transformed the game and shifted perspectives for the better.”

In addition to the Key to the City, the San Diego City Council proclaimed Sept. 8, 2024, as “Alex Morgan Day,” commemorating her final professional match with Wave FC.

“Alex Morgan is more than an athlete – she’s a role model and a trailblazer,” von Wilpert stated. “Today’s honor is a small token of our gratitude for all she’s done for San Diego and the world of sports.”

Campillo expressed, “Alex Morgan’s contributions will inspire an entire generation of young women and girls to reach for the stars. She embodies what it means to redefine what’s possible.”

Morgan has also made an impact off the field through her recently launched Alex Morgan Foundation, which aims to create equity and opportunity for girls and women in sports and life.