Meghan Klingenberg

Meghan Klingenberg is a retired American professional soccer player recognized for her contributions as a defender in U.S. women's soccer. Klingenberg developed her skills at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she was a four-year starter for the Tar Heels. During her collegiate career, she scored 18 goals, recorded 24 assists, earned All-American honors, and contributed to two NCAA national championships. She was named to the ACC All-Academic team and studied business with a concentration in entrepreneurship.

Klingenberg's professional soccer career included playing in multiple leagues and countries. After being selected in the first round of the WPS Draft, she played in Sweden with Tyresö FF, where she won the Damallsvenskan title and competed in the UEFA Women's Champions League. She later joined the Houston Dash before playing for Portland Thorns FC, making more than 150 appearances. With the Thorns, she was part of teams that won two NWSL Championships and two NWSL Shields.

Internationally, Klingenberg earned 75 caps for the United States Women's National Team and played a key role in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, starting every minute of all seven matches as the team won the championship. She was named to the FIFA Women's World Cup All-Star Team and the FIFPro Women's World XI. Following the World Cup, Klingenberg and her teammates became the first women's sports team to receive a ticker-tape parade in New York City and were honored at the White House.

Off the field, Klingenberg has been active as an advocate and entrepreneur. She contributed to negotiations regarding image and likeness rights for the U.S. Women's National Team Players Association. Klingenberg co-founded Re-inc, a gender-neutral lifestyle brand and media company, alongside Tobin Heath, Christen Press, and Megan Rapinoe, aiming to challenge norms in fashion and culture and amplify the voices of women and non-binary people in sports. She also co-hosted the podcast "My New Favorite Futbolista," which highlights the journeys of soccer players worldwide. Klingenberg holds a black belt in Taekwondo and is known for her interests in cooking, sudoku, nature, reading, and sports.