Megan Rapinoe named SI Sportsperson of the Year

The USWNT star becomes the fourth unaccompanied woman to win the award.

USWNT star Megan Rapinoe isn’t one to shy away from standing up for her beliefs, or even kneeling for them. Whether it was taking a knee in support for Colin Kaepernick, leading the fight for equal pay or standing up to the President, defiance off the soccer pitch has equaled Rapinoe’s dominance on it. She made one pressure kick after another to lead the USWNT to the FIFA Women’s World Cup title. Her arms-open pose after scoring against the host-nation France remains iconic and timeless. SI senior writer Jenny Vrentas recounts Rapinoe’s journey to becoming the fourth unaccompanied woman to win the SI Sportsperson of the Year Award.