Alex Morgan opens up on the silent cost of speaking up for mental health

I n recent years, mental health awareness in women's soccer has gained momentum, and with it, a growing sense of institutional support.

High-profile players like Sydney Leroux and Bethany Balcer have stepped away from the game citing mental health struggles, with their decisions met by a wave of understanding rather than punishment.

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) now allows paid mental health leave, marking a progressive shift in how athlete wellness is handled. But for Alex Morgan , the reality wasn't always this supportive.

Morgan recently shared with ESPN that when she once asked for time off from the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT) after having her daughter, the response was not compassion, but exclusion. She had requested to miss a camp for her mental health and to adjust to new motherhood. The result? She wasn't invited back to the national team setup for six to seven months.

"That just didn't exist a couple of years ago," Morgan said, referring to the now-established policies that allow players to prioritize their well-being without risking their careers. Her story underscores the stark contrast between the treatment of athletes then and now.

A turning point in accountability and care

Morgan's experience sheds light on how little space existed for vulnerability in elite sports not long ago. Players were expected to push through pain, stress, and life changes - even childbirth - without slowing down. There were no clear pathways for athletes to step back without facing career consequences.

Today, that's shifting. Players in the NWSL are now supported in taking time off for their mental health, and Morgan believes this change is essential. She emphasizes that whether someone is in their second year or their fifteenth, breaks are a normal and necessary part of a healthy career.

"I feel like I've advocated for players to be the driving force of this league," Morgan shared, highlighting the importance of allowing athletes to prioritize themselves without fear of retribution.

Beyond mental health, Morgan has also pushed for broader reforms like family leave protections, financial education, and athlete-focused support systems. These are all part of a larger mission to create a more humane and sustainable future in women's soccer.

Her story isn't just about her return, it's about making sure the next generation of athletes is empowered to speak up, take care of themselves, and return to the game stronger than ever.