The United States Women's National Team is a highly successful and influential squad that continues to elevate the horizons of their competition while demonstrating an abundance of pride in their professional achievements. Similarly, Taylor Swift is a global musical icon who, like the USWNT, strives for the best and continues to grow as an individual and artist. Because of the similarities that can be drawn here, let’s take a look at some of the USWNT players compared to songs from Taylor Swift’s “Midnights” album.
“Bejeweled:” Alex Morgan
Throughout her career, Alex Morgan has won many trophies and awards, which are the soccer equivalent of “jewels.” She earned multiple solo awards as well as numerous team trophies, which helped establish her success and made her a well-known soccer star. Morgan also has great style, which she showcases on her social media accounts. Along with all of her teammates, Morgan always keeps her outfits clean and stylish; she makes certain her gameday outfits are fierce with an added touch of jewelry. For this reason, Morgan, with her fashion and trophy “jewels,” represents Taylor Swift's song “Bejeweled.”
“Labyrinth:” Rose Lavelle
Lavelle’s style of play resembles a labyrinth because it makes it hard for opponents to strip her of the ball. Her superb technical abilities like her speed and dribbling cause opponents to struggle in deciphering how to keep up with her, much like a maze. Like a labyrinth, there is only one way in and one way out, and the only way to win in soccer is to have possession of the ball. Lavelle has proven herself to be able to do just that exceedingly well while making clever plays in the midfield to help her team win.
“Mastermind:” Sophia Smith
Sophia Smith is a young, vibrant player who has scored numerous goals and had an instant impact with the USWNT. Her talent and hard work helped her pave the way to her valuable position and be the greatest striker she can be. Smith is a “mastermind” who knows how to use her strong drive and skill set to compete with and outperform opponents by moving past them so rapidly that it gives her enough time to strike the ball.
“You’re On Your Own, Kid:” Olivia Moultrie
In December 2023, 18-year-old Olivia Moultrie was the youngest to make her USWNT debut since 17-year-old Alyssa Thompson in October 2022. Setting historic records at a young age sets an early precedent for her to mature and learn how to navigate a professional soccer career. Being an integral part of the most elite women's team in the United States is a significant accomplishment for her to achieve on her own. While her friends, teammates, and family have all been there to support her, it is still an incredible individual feat to continue her professional journey at just 18. Moultrie was already a full-time professional in a highly competitive field, but she’s now demonstrating her maturity and strength as an adult.
“Anti-Hero:” Megan Rapinoe
Despite Megan Rapinoe’s tremendous performances and victories with the USWNT, her career ended on an emotional rollercoaster when she missed a penalty kick in her final game at the latest World Cup. With the 2023 World Cup performance being the earliest exit the USWNT had ever taken, Rapinoe was the “anti-hero” in her final moments representing the US. Following the game, she received plenty of criticism, and it appeared that everyone had been “rooting for the anti-hero” before her missed penalty kick. Everyone expected Rapinoe to be the hero and score, but when she didn’t, she became an “anti-hero.”
The USWNT and Taylor Swift are prominent names in sports and music whose parallels shine through. They are constantly improving as the future rolls around, and we can’t wait to see what it holds for the both of them.
Edited by: Emma Habel
Comments