What Matters To U: Megan Rapinoe

In the latest installation of "What Matters to U," UM scored Woman's World Cup MVP Megan Rapinoe to speak to the student body!
Megan Rapinoe inspires students at UM

Megan Rapinoe, who is predominately known for her undeniable skill on the soccer field, is, more importantly, an influential personality for the LGBTQ community and for women all over the world.

What Matters To U is a discussion series presented by Student Government for students, by students that brings thought leaders and change-makers to The U to engage with students and explore topics that matter to them. And this past semester, What Matters To U scored the U.S.Woman’s Soccer MVP!

The instant Rapinoe walked onto the stage, the entire ballroom erupted with screams, applause, and of course, Snapchat videos. Absorbing the energy from the crowd, Rapinoe simply smiled and shook her head before uttering her first words: “This is going to be fun.” Speaking for every UM student in attendance, it was exactly that.

Rapinoe spoke about various topics, from America needing to be better as a whole and the gender pay gap to winning a world cup. Her message seemed to circulate around the individual responsibility to create positive change in the world. Rapinoe said, “Whether you’re LeBron James with 100 million followers or an everyday worker, I think everyone has the responsibility to effect change and be a part of society.” It was after inspiring quotes like these that the sea of students would erupt in applause.

Megan Rapinoe: What Matters To U

Elizabeth Cronin, one of the many students in attendance, said, “I actually got to see her play in the World Cup this summer, but I would choose to hear her speak over seeing her play nine times out of ten. I truly don’t think UM could have chosen a more compelling or influential speaker.” It’s true. When Rapinoe didn’t have the crowd laughing, she had students listening on the edge of their seats. She was truly bigger than life on stage.

Rapinoe left the stage offering a bit of perspective for the University of Miami students. Simply put, she said, “You have all of the resources here at this university. Empower yourself and use it to your advantage.”