Megan Rapinoe gives epic speech at USWNT victory parade

Reign FC’s Megan Rapinoe is gearing up to have an epic summer. After winning her second-straight World Cup gold with the United States, where she also earned the Golden Ball and Golden Boot award, Rapinoe got on stage in New York City to celebrate the victory with the nation and her teammates.

The USWNT ticker-tape victory parade traveled through New York City in front of thousands of fans, concluding at the New York City Hall. There, the USWNT co-captain was welcomed on stage and began her speech in true Pinoe fashion — with a bit of flair and a whole lot of sass.

“Just shoutout to the teammates … This group is so resilient. Is so tough. Has such a sense of humor. Is just so badass,” Rapinoe shared with a smile. “There’s nothing that can faze this group. We’re chillin’. We’ve got tea sippin’. We’ve got celebrations. We have pink hair and purple hair. We have tattoos and dreadlocks. We’ve got white girls and black girls, and everything in between. Straight girls and gay girls.”

The last line was met with huge applause from the crowd. Soon after, Rapinoe did her best to squelch any rumors that might be swirling about what’s next for her.

“It’s my absolute honor to lead this team out on the field. There’s no other place that I would rather be, even in the presidential race. I’m busy, I’m sorry.”

Darn, it looks like those Rapinoe/Bird 2020 t-shirts aren’t quite official yet.

While the beginning of Rapinoe’s speech was a fun celebration of all the people who helped the world’s most badass team earn a fourth star on their crest, the conclusion was a more serious call for unity and love. And while Rapinoe promised she didn’t have any plans to run for office, it sure had all the elements of an inspiring stump speech.

“This is my charge to everyone: We have to be better. We have to love more. Hate less. We’ve got to listen more and talk less,” Rapinoe said. “It’s our responsibility to make the world a better place.”

She followed by tying this rally call back to her teammates.

“Be bigger than you’ve ever been before. If this team is any representation of what you can be when you do that, please take this as an example. This group is incredible. We took so much on our shoulders to be here today, to celebrate with you today. And we did it with a smile. So do the same for us,” Rapinoe concluded before declaring that New York City was the ************* best.

Watch the whole speech below.

Rapinoe and USWNT teammate Allie Long should be available for selection on July 28 when Reign FC hosts the Chicago Red Stars. The match is already sold out, with some premium hospitality suites still available. We expect another epic Rapinoe press conference will follow that match as well.