West Wake News

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

Jessica McDonald is recognized for her advocacy for women in sports, focusing on mentorship, diversity, and inclusion within soccer. She supports initiatives that provide opportunities for young athletes and shares her experiences as a mother in professional soccer. Her contributions on and off the field have made her a prominent figure in the club's history.

McDonald's professional career began in 2010, during which she played for several teams in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), most notably with the Courage. She was instrumental in leading the team to five league trophies from 2017 to 2021, including three NWSL Shields and two Championships. McDonald scored 24 goals in 84 appearances for the Courage and added another 10 goals during her time with the Western New York Flash before relocating with the franchise to North Carolina.

Internationally, McDonald represented the U.S. Women’s National Team from 2016 to 2020, scoring four goals across 19 caps. Her international career was highlighted by a World Cup victory in 2019, where she became the first mother on a U.S. World Cup-winning roster in nearly two decades.

Jessica McDonald's career is marked by championship victories and significant achievements, cementing her legacy in women's soccer. Her induction into the Courage Ring of Honor ensures she will be remembered as a cornerstone member of the organization.

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

The induction ceremony will follow the match against Seattle Reign FC, scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET. Attendees must purchase tickets to join both events, and McDonald will be available for autographs and meet-and-greet sessions at FanFest starting at 5:30 p.m.