Megan Rapinoe Opens Up About Reinventing Herself

About this episode

Megan Rapinoe discusses her emotional journey through retirement and finding her identity beyond soccer.

This week, Megan Rapinoe joins the party and this might be one of the most honest conversations we’ve ever had on the show. Pinoe opens up about the emotional reality of retirement, losing the structure and identity that came with elite competition, and what happens when one of the most recognizable athletes in the world suddenly has to figure out who she is outside of the game. She talks candidly about the grief of leaving soccer behind, navigating public life and parasocial relationships, struggling to find purpose in year two of retirement, and learning how to separate “Megan Rapinoe the person” from “Megan Rapinoe the icon.” She also shares what’s exciting her now: photography, storytelling, investing in women’s sports, creative freedom, and building the future of the game through media and culture. Plus, Abby and Julie reflect on their own retirements, the pressure of elite sports, and why life after competition can be so much harder than anyone prepares you for. Before the interview, the crew dives into WNBA opening weekend, Allyson Felix’s possible comeback, Rachel Entrekin making ultramarathon history, Abby receiving her fourth honorary degree at Duke, and more women’s…

People in this episode

Hosts: Abby, Julie

Guest: Megan Rapinoe

Topics covered

• retirement
• identity
• women's sports
• elite competition
• purpose
• media
• culture

Keywords

• Megan Rapinoe
• retirement
• women's sports
• identity
• elite competition
• photography
• storytelling
• purpose

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: WNBA, Duke, UCLA

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