East Wake Times

The North Carolina Courage has announced that Jessica McDonald will be inducted into the club's Ring of Honor in 2025. The induction ceremony is set to take place at First Horizon Stadium, WakeMed Soccer Park, following the Courage's home opener on March 22.

McDonald is recognized not only for her achievements on the field but also for her advocacy work off it. She is known for supporting initiatives that promote mentorship, diversity, and inclusion within soccer. McDonald's efforts have paved the way for future generations by sharing her experiences as a mother in professional sports.

McDonald's career began in 2010, during which she played with several NWSL teams, including a significant stint with the Courage. She was instrumental in leading the team to five league trophies from 2017 to 2021. Her record includes three NWSL Shields and two Championships, with McDonald making 84 appearances and scoring 24 goals for the team. Prior to joining the Courage, she scored ten goals in twenty matches for Western New York Flash in 2016.

Internationally, McDonald contributed four goals across nineteen caps with the U.S. Women’s National Team from 2016 to 2020. Her international career highlight came with winning the World Cup in 2019 as part of a historic roster where she was noted as being the first mother on a U.S. World Cup-winning team in nearly two decades.

Jessica McDonald's career reflects championship success and dedication to women's soccer. Her contributions will now be permanently celebrated through her induction into the Courage Ring of Honor.

The Ring of Honor was established in 2024 to recognize key figures within the organization. Sam Mewis was its first inductee and will attend this year's celebration on March 22.

The ceremony follows a match against Seattle Reign FC starting at 7 p.m., requiring attendees to hold tickets purchased here. Fans can meet McDonald at FanFest at 5:30 p.m., where she will be available for autographs.