Kelley O’Hara grew emotional at a press conference on Tuesday when asked about Megan Rapinoe’s impending retirement, saying it’s hard to think about the U.S. women’s national team legend walking away from the game.
Rapinoe announced earlier this month that she would retire following the 2023 NWSL season, making the upcoming World Cup her last.
O’Hara and Rapinoe are both set to play in their fourth World Cup, with the pair looking to win their third overall. Ahead of the USWNT’s opener against Vietnam on Friday, O’Hara reflected on what Rapinoe has meant to the USWNT.
“It’s hard to put into words honestly,” the defender told a press conference. “I know that the world sees the Megan Rapinoe that the world sees. But we get to see her up close and personal.
“Obviously, the Pinoe that the world sees is an incredible person and human and that is her also up close and personal. She brings a sense of humor and lightness, but intensity and empathy and just she’s one of a kind.”
O’Hara then began to grow emotional, adding: “It’s sad to think about this [World Cup] being her last, but she’s done such incredible things for this team and for the world. So to be able to see the up close and personal Pinoe and be close to that has been has been really special. And I hope that we all send her out on a high.”
USWNT midfielder Andi Sullivan added: “Like Kelley said I don’t really think about the team without her. Even as she announced it, she did it with such grace and humor and joy and light. It’s this huge piece of news but for us, it’s just another day. So I think we’re trying to just soak up as much Pinoe as we can.”
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