Seattle, WA

Megan Rapinoe plays her last regular season home game in Seattle

Published

1 year ago

October 8, 2023

Megan Rapinoe plays her last regular season home game in Seattle

OL Reign forward Megan Rapinoe blows a kiss during a ceremony honoring her career, after the team’s NWSL soccer match against the Washington Spirit on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, in Seattle. The Spirit and the Reign played to a scoreless draw in Rapinoe’s final regular-season home game before her retirement at the end of the season.

Lindsey Wasson/AP

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Lindsey Wasson/AP

One of soccer’s greatest stars will retire this fall, at the end of the National Women’s Soccer League season. Known for her talent on the field and activism off it, Megan Rapinoe has been an outsized figure in women’s soccer. Friday night was her last regular season home game in Seattle with the OL Reign, the team she’s played with for her entire 11-year NWSL career.

Celebrating the star were 34,000 fans at Seattle’s Lumen field, breaking the NWSL attendance record.

Outside the stadium before kickoff, fans could get face paint, make signs, and get their hair sprayed pink in honor of Rapinoe and the hairstyle she wore when the U.S. won the 2019 World Cup.

Harper Womack, 8, attended the game with her grandparents and her soccer team. She said Rapinoe is her favorite player.

“I just like how fearless she is and how she’s not scared to be in front of a bunch of people,” Womack said.

That sentiment was echoed by other fans like Em Piro.

Fans wear pink wigs and stickers with the number of OL Reign forward Megan Rapinoe during the first half of an NWSL soccer match between the Reign and the Washington Spirit, Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, in Seattle.

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Lindsey Wasson/AP

“She’s iconic,” Piro said. “She’s such a larger-than-life person in a lot of ways, who also just comes across as very, like, accessible and warm and someone you’re kind of, like, proud to have in your hometown.”

In a news conference before her last home game with the OL Reign in Seattle, Rapinoe reflected on how this goodbye felt different from the one with the U.S. Women’s National Team. Unlike the national team, which has an ever-changing roster of players and coaches, the Reign has remained a home base she could always count on.

“This feels like I’m saying goodbye to my team,” Rapinoe said. “I’m saying goodbye to my coach. I’m saying goodbye to, you know, so many players that I have played with for a long time.”

Before Rapinoe joined the Reign in 2013, she had been making a name for herself on the field with the national team.

She had been playing professionally for just a short time when her career was launched to a new level at the Women’s World Cup in 2011. Her last-second assist in the quarterfinals to Abby Wambach tied the game with Brazil and became an iconic moment in soccer history.

“Oh man, what a freakin’ moment,” said Abby Wambach, describing the play in a recent interview. Wambach, the all-time leading U.S. goal scorer in international soccer, says that Rapinoe’s kick, which sailed across the field to her, was perfect. “It was a much better cross than it was a goal. Everybody who knows and watches and plays soccer knows that.”

From there, Rapinoe’s prominence as a soccer player ramped up. In 2012, she helped the U.S. win gold at the Olympics. In 2015, she was part of the team that won the U.S. its first Women’s World Cup since 1999. In 2019, she was co-captain for the U.S. team when they won the Women’s World Cup again. Rapinoe is ranked among the top 10 in U.S. Women’s National Team history when it comes to both goals and assists.

“For me, she’s top,” says Becky Sauerbrunn, a veteran of the U.S. Women’s National Team. “You say Mia Hamm. You can say Michelle Akers. And then I would put Megan Rapinoe right up there.”

Sauerbrunn and Rapinoe met at a youth national team camp when they were teenagers.

“I would say from very early on, just her vision on the field, and the ability to execute what she wants to do” made her unique, Sauerbrunn said. “So like her technique … the way that she can whip in free kicks, that way she can whip in crosses, like there’s a texture to it that you don’t see a lot of people able to hit.”

President Joe Biden presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Megan Rapinoe, soccer player and advocate for gender pay equality, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on July 7, 2022.

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Rapinoe has become almost equally well known as an advocate for progressive political issues – including LGBTQ+ rights, racial equity, and equal pay for women in sports.

Meg Linehan has covered women’s soccer extensively for The Athletic and says that Rapinoe began to emerge as an activist in 2016 when she knelt during the national anthem in solidarity with former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The action stirred up controversy, with some applauding Rapinoe for speaking out and others calling her actions disrespectful.

Linehan notes that despite all the attention Rapinoe got for her protest, it wasn’t until in 2019 that she really exploded — becoming not just a famous women’s soccer player, but famous, period.

That’s because during the World Cup that year, she got into a very public feud with then-President Donald Trump, after telling a reporter that if her team won, “I’m not going to the ******* White House.”

“Being in a strange battle with the former president, right, like there was this sense of this explosion of interest from a world outside of women’s soccer,” says Linehan.

Rapinoe later apologized for the expletive, but doubled down on the comment — saying she didn’t want her team’s platform “co-opted by an administration … that doesn’t fight for the same things we fight for.” Her comments endeared her to some on the left, but drew intense backlash from the right, for whom she’s become a common subject of criticism.

“There has just been a whole population of people waiting for Rapinoe to fail,” says Linehan. “And there is a human cost to that. … I don’t want to erase that, because I think that is something that she has had to deal with.”

But that hasn’t silenced Rapinoe, who’s also been an outspoken critic of unequal pay between men and women in soccer. She and other players filed a claim of wage discrimination against U.S. Soccer in 2016. And a few years after that, she and 27 other members of the national team sued U.S. Soccer for gender discrimination (they ultimately won $24 million in a settlement). In 2021, she testified in front of Congress about the issue.

“We’ve filled stadiums, we’ve broken viewing records, we’ve sold out our jerseys, all the popular metrics by which we are judged. And yet, despite all of this, we are still paid less than our male counterparts,” she said.

In 2022, U.S. Soccer agreed to pay both their men’s and women’s teams equally.

The U.S. men's and women's soccer teams will be paid equally under a new deal

Later that same year, Rapinoe was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Joe Biden, who praised her for helping to lead the change for “perhaps the most important victory for anyone on her soccer team or any soccer team: equal pay for women.”

Becky Sauerbrunn — who was part of the wage discrimination claim and the lawsuit — says the attention Rapinoe brought to the issue was critical.

“She’s brought us alongside her and has encouraged us and educated us and told us like, be brave, live brave. And to me like that, that is her legacy,” Sauerbrunn said.

Wambach adds that Rapinoe’s visibility as an out, gay soccer player has helped fans and athletes to unapologeticaly be who they are.

“The thing that I am so astonished at by her is that she’s had such a successful career because she hasn’t ever not been trying to be herself,” Wambach said.

Last night’s match ended in an anti-climatic tie with the Washington Spirit. But that didn’t put a damper on the night. After the game, Rapinoe’s friends, family, and teammates gathered in the middle of the field to hear from the star herself. Fans stuck around chanting Rapinoe’s name.

OL Reign forward Megan Rapinoe acknowledges the crowd as coach Laura Harvey (from left), defender Lauren Barnes, and midfielder Jess Fishlock stand nearby during a ceremony honoring her career, after the team’s NWSL soccer match against the Washington Spirit on Friday.

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“Takes a lot to make me uncomfortable … success,” Rapinoe joked. “Thank you so much to all the fans who showed up, this is what we’ve wanted for so long.”

“I am at a little bit at a loss for words. I don’t know who to thank other than every single person. It’s been such an incredible journey,” Rapinoe said.

Rapinoe’s sense of humor remained intact throughout all the pomp and circumstance. In the post game news conference she was asked what was next. Smirking, Megan replied, “Wouldn’t you like to know … “

But on a more serious note, she explained that she hoped she could be a part of the growth of women’s sports.

“I’m really looking forward to, you know, being sort of one of the business architects in this next space,” Rapinoe said.

More than anything, she said, she’s looking forward to resting.

The OL Reign will have the opportunity to qualify for playoffs next weekend when they play the Chicago Red Stars.

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Seattle, WA

Lauren Barnes returns to Seattle Reign for the 2025 season

Published

4 hours ago

January 14, 2025

Press Room

Lauren Barnes returns to Seattle Reign for the 2025 season

Seattle Reign announced on Tuesday that the club has re-signed Lauren Barnes for the 2025 season. The 35-year-old defender and Reign original returns to Seattle for her 13th season with the club.

Barnes currently has the league record for the most appearances (232), starts (224), and minutes (19,795). She was the first player in league history to reach 200 games played. When the 2025 season kicks off, she’ll join Jess Fishlock as the only two players to feature for the same club since the league launched in 2013.

“I’m thrilled to sign a new contract with the Reign, a place that has been my home since I first joined the club in 2013,” said Barnes in a team release. “This club means so much to me – not just for what we’ve accomplished on the field but for the impact we’ve been able to make in the community. I’m proud to continue this journey with my teammates, our incredible fans and the city I love. Together, we’re building something special, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”

The team’s long-time captain will continue to be a veteran presence in the locker room and on the soccer field, helping provide leadership to an increasingly young roster. Playing both centerback and left back over the years, Barnes has been a key figure on the Reign’s defense, which has been one of the stingiest in the league until last year. In 2016, Barnes was named NWSL Defender of the Year – helping the Reign earn eight clean sheets in their 20-game season and set a new NWSL record for consecutive shutouts (5).

She was named to the NWSL Best XI First Team in 2015 and 2016 and earned Best XI Second Team honors in 2014 and 2019. In three separate years (2019, 2022, and 2023), Barnes finished the NWSL season in the top 10 in the number of dribblers tackled. She also was in the top five in interceptions in 2023. As one of the core leaders on the team, Barnes has helped the Reign earn three NWSL Shields (2014, 2015, 2022), advance to three NWSL finals (2014, 2015, 2023), and play in seven NWSL semifinal matches.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Lu Barnes back to the Reign this season,” said Reign General Manager Lesle Gallimore. “From the very beginning, Lu has been the heart and soul of this club, and her legacy here is unparalleled. As a world-class defender and leader in the NWSL, her influence extends far beyond the field. We are excited to see the immense impact she will continue to have on our team and the Reign community this season.”

In addition to her strong defensive chops, Barnes has been important to how the Reign builds their attack from the backline. Last year, the Reign struggled to break down presses, which has been one of Barnes’ strengths in the NWSL. In 2023, for example, she completed the third-most passes into the final third and had the seventh-most touches. While it doesn’t always show up in stats this clearly, this is a truly underrated part of Barnes’ skillset.

While Barnes dealt with injuries and health challenges in 2024, she still played nearly 1,500 minutes and made 21 appearances. As June/Ash Eden highlighted in the 2024 Valkyratings, like many Reign players last season, Barnes had mixed performances throughout the year. She has great field vision and is often the one communicating with and leading the backline, but she was prone to a few costly mistakes. While Barnes might not be a regular starter in 2025, she should continue to provide veteran leadership and mentor young defenders like Jordyn Bugg.

The club veteran has also established important roots in the region. She’s been active in environmental efforts in the Pacific Northwest and other community outreach activities led by the Reign and Seattle Sounders. Last fall, she joined current and former Reign teammates Olivia Van der Jagt, Fishlock, and Sam Hiatt in becoming part of the ownership group of Salmon Bay FC, Ballard’s new pre-professional women’s soccer team that will compete in the USL W League this spring.

The Reign captain has been involved in several other community efforts. Barnes has pledged 1% of her salary toward Common Goal to fund the growth and development of Football For Her, a California-based nonprofit that provides safe spaces for youth who identify as female or nonbinary to play soccer. She also works with Players for the Planet, an organization of professional athletes who are striving to make a difference by eliminating plastic, creating recycling initiatives and prioritizing conservation efforts.

The California native attended UCLA (2007-10), where she started in 95 of 97 games played and led the Bruins in assists in back-to-back seasons as a junior and senior.

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Seattle, WA

SPD sees major hiring boost in 2024 with 84 new recruits

Published

12 hours ago

January 14, 2025

Press Room

SPD sees major hiring boost in 2024 with 84 new recruits

SPD new hires train after successful recruitment year

The Seattle Police Department may finally be turning the corner on its staffing struggles, as 2024 turned out to be one of their biggest recruitment years, with 84 new hires.

SEATTLE, Wash. – The Seattle Police Department is making strides in rebuilding its ranks after several challenging years. In 2024, the department achieved a major milestone, hiring 84 new officers—a significant boost as SPD works to address staffing shortages.

The hands-on training at the academy is designed to prepare student officers for the complex realities of policing, from pain compliance techniques to firearms proficiency.

“It’s serious, the responsibility we have and the trust that we’re given. We don’t want to hurt people unnecessarily,” said 24-year-old recruit Natalie Cornwall.

Cornwall, a Seattle native, returned to Seattle this past summer after applying to the department. She brings with her a background in the military, as her father served in the armed forces. Cornwall also has prior experience with Lacey’s Explorer program, where she participated for four years before aging out at 21.

“I just really missed the kind of sense of purpose on military bases,” Cornwall said. After traveling and completing college, she decided to pursue her passion for public service. “It’s about being part of something bigger than me and doing something that matters,” Cornwall said.

Seattle police, mayor celebrate hiring surge

Seattle Police and the Mayor’s Office are celebrating what they’re calling a surge in officer recruitment.

For another recruit, the journey to SPD marked a significant career shift. Damaris Dominguez, a 39-year-old mother from the Bronx, transitioned from the dental field to law enforcement.

“It was my first choice,” Dominguez said. Dominguez, who will turn 40 next month, said it was a choice she made after doing extensive research into the department. “I saw they were understaffed, just applied, I said I’m going to give it a go and I think it was the best choice,” Dominguez said. “As each step progressed, I started passing, getting calls, and I was like, ‘I’m in.’ It was a sign that I should be doing this.”

Dominguez views her new role as an opportunity to rebuild trust between police and the community. “It’s important to me because we’ve had a downfall in some years. Just being able to support our community…if it can be just a small change, that means everything,” she said.

As a Spanish speaker, Dominguez believes her language skills will be invaluable in connecting with Seattle’s diverse community. “It would be a big help because a lot of situations come from the lack of communication. Sometimes they can be misunderstood, so the fact that I can speak Spanish is going to be a big help when I’m on my beat,” Dominguez said.

The SPD hiring process is rigorous, involving multiple evaluations and months of training. Recruits spend 8-9 weeks at the post-basic academy, followed by additional field training.

Lieutenant Larry Longley, a field training officer with SPD, is optimistic about the department’s recruitment efforts. He noted an influx of candidates from across the country and military backgrounds.

“Some things have changed around the country. Crime’s at a pretty high level, so they’re seeing the necessity for it,” Longley said. He also credited social media for attracting interest in law enforcement careers.

SPD aims to hire 120 to 140 officers in 2025, surpassing 2024’s numbers.

“We need them now more than ever,” Longley said. “They’re going to be highly trained officers and professional officers.”

Despite this recruitment success, Longley noted that the department still faces challenges. “We lost quite a few officers, and we still have to factor in attrition numbers to even retiring,” Longley said. “It’s still years away, several years away, before we’re fully staffed.”

For Cornwall and Dominguez, joining SPD is more than just a career—it’s a calling. “It’s a lifestyle. It’s not just a career,” Cornwall said.

SPD Hires by the numbers

2024: 84
2023: 61
2022: 58
2021: 81
2020: 51
2019: 108

Individuals who have left SPD (Sworn + recruits)

2024: 83
2023: 97
2022: 159
2021: 171
2020: 186
2019: 92

Retirements

2024: 39
2023: 66
2022: 88
2021: 100
2020: 71
2019: 45

Seattle Police says Mayor Bruce Harrell aims to have the department back to pre-pandemic levels of around 1,400 officers.

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Seattle, WA

Blue Angels prep for Seafair show with early landing in Seattle

Published

20 hours ago

January 13, 2025

Press Room

Blue Angels prep for Seafair show with early landing in Seattle

One of the U.S. Navy’s famous Blue Angels landed Monday afternoon in Seattle, more than half a year ahead of the famous squadron’s annual air show at Seafair.

Descending through a low-hanging blanket of grey skies around 2 p.m., the Blue Angel No. 7 jet landed at Boeing Field with a small crowd of Seafair executives and news crews gathered to greet them. One photographer jokingly asked the two pilots if they’d done any barrel rolls on their flight from Oakland, Calif.

“You can get in trouble doing some of that stuff, so we don’t do that,” said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Scott Laux through a smile. “But admittedly, it’s the greatest window seat that you’ll ever get. We were admiring the mountains all the way up, the beautiful snow-capped mountains all the way up the coast.”

One of the Blue Angels has landed at Boeing Field in Seattle.
The pilots are here to prep for Seafair this summer. pic.twitter.com/5UYyM6T3XD
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— Sam Campbell (@HeySamCampbell) January 13, 2025

U.S. Navy Lt. Commander Lilly Montana sat in the cockpit seat behind Laux. She told KIRO Newsradio Washingtonians can expect a much more exciting entrance at Seafair than she and Laux had to resort to Monday.

“The type of flying is certainly going to be different,” Montana said, adding that the low cloud cover meant they couldn’t follow through on some preplanned theatrics Monday.

Just interviewed the pilots, Lt. Commander Lilly Montana and Maj. Scott Laux.
I’ll have more on @KIRONewsradio 97.3FM https://t.co/IlB9uSBXf5 pic.twitter.com/D9Qa63pTcw
— Sam Campbell (@HeySamCampbell) January 13, 2025
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“Not as exciting of an arrival as you’ll see out of the six-plane delta here at the end of July,” she said. “They’ll come in for what’s known as the pitch-up break. That is an overhead maneuver with all six jets flying very close together, smoke on – very exciting to see.”

Montana and Laux will spend about a day in Seattle coordinating with airshow and Seafair planners for the demonstration.

The 2025 Boeing Air Show at Seafair is scheduled to take place between Aug. 1 and 3.

Sam Campbell is a reporter, editor and anchor at KIRO Newsradio. You can read more of Sam’s stories here. Follow Sam on X, or email him here.

Follow @https://twitter.com/HeySamCampbell

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