Is Team USA Too WOKE to Compete?

As the U.S. grapples with inflation, crime, and border turmoil, the Women’s National Soccer Team unveiled rainbow-numbered jerseys to celebrate Pride Month, sparking fresh debates on activism in sports.

At a Glance

• The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team introduced jerseys featuring Progress Pride flag colors for June friendlies
• Team captain Lindsey Horan called the “super gay” team atmosphere key to success, echoing Rapinoe’s past comments
• Retired star Megan Rapinoe had declared, “You cannot win championships without the gays”
• Jerseys will be auctioned to benefit LGBTQ nonprofit You Can Play
• Critics say the team is prioritizing activism over performance amid global challenges

Soccer Meets Social Justice—Again

With Olympic qualifiers on the horizon, the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) has revealed new Pride-themed jerseys adorned with Progress Pride flag colors. The numbers will feature rainbow gradients including black, brown, and trans flag hues, marking the team’s first Pride Month since Megan Rapinoe’s retirement.

Captain Lindsey Horan, now the face of the team’s activist legacy, emphasized inclusivity as a core value. “The inclusivity of this team… and the things that we stand for are just massive,” she told 9News Denver, praising Rapinoe as a “frontrunner” in LGBTQ advocacy.

While critics argue the initiative distracts from athletic preparation, team leaders Horan and Alex Morgan insist it strengthens unity and visibility—particularly for LGBTQ youth and fans.

Rapinoe’s Legacy Lives On

Despite retiring after a disappointing 2023 World Cup performance, Rapinoe’s influence remains potent. Her declaration that “you cannot win championships without the gays” was more than a slogan—it became a rallying cry. “Go gays! That’s science, right there!” she once quipped during a Pride interview.

Rapinoe’s blend of on-field talent and off-field advocacy earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom and cemented her role as a polarizing figure in American sport. She famously knelt during the national anthem and declined a White House invitation during the Trump presidency, sparking public rebuke from then-President Donald Trump, who urged her to “be proud of the Flag that you wear.”

Flags, Goals, and the Olympic Horizon

As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, new head coach Emma Hayes will balance a team culture steeped in progressive messaging with international performance expectations. The U.S. team hopes to rebound from its underwhelming 2023 World Cup exit, a loss partly attributed to missed penalty kicks—including one by Rapinoe herself.

Proceeds from the jersey auction will support the You Can Play foundation, which promotes LGBTQ inclusion in sports. But as global powers like China and Germany focus on technical and tactical preparation, critics argue Team USA’s ongoing political signaling could undercut its competitive edge.

Still, for team leaders like Horan, Pride jerseys symbolize something larger than the scoreboard: “We want everyone to feel heard and seen,” she said, reinforcing the USWNT’s evolving identity—not just as athletes, but as ambassadors for inclusion.