Rose Lavelle
With a dribble that can dismantle defenses and a World Cup-winning goal, this dynamic midfielder brought a new flair to the American soccer engine.
Born 1995 (age 31)·American soccer player·Birthday: May 14·Millennials
Biography
Rose Lavelle announced herself to the world not with a shout, but with a shimmy. The Cincinnati native, whose technical grace was honed in youth leagues and at the University of Wisconsin, became the breakout star of the 2019 Women's World Cup. In the final, her solo run and composed finish sealed the victory for the United States, embodying a new generation's confidence. Unlike the powerful, direct style of past American teams, Lavelle's game is built on close control, vision, and daring one-on-one moves in the center of the park. Her career, though punctuated by injuries, has been defined by those moments of individual brilliance that change games, making her an indispensable and thrilling component of the national team's spine.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Rose was born in 1995, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Rose Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Rose's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1995Born
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2000Started school
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2008Became a teenager
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Could drive
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2013Could vote
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Turned 21
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2025Turned 30
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 31 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored a crucial goal in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup final, helping secure the United States' fourth title.
- Won the Bronze Ball as the third-best player of the 2019 World Cup, a rare honor for a young midfielder.
- Was the first overall pick in the 2017 NWSL College Draft, selected by the Boston Breakers.
- Named U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year in 2020, recognizing her consistent impact on the national team.
Did You Know?
She is known for her signature move, the 'Lavelle Spin', a quick turn to evade defenders.
She has a pre-game ritual of eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
She played for a boys' team, Cincinnati United Premier, until she was 13 years old.
The Washington Spirit traded multiple players and draft picks to acquire her playing rights in a major NWSL deal.
““I just remember hitting it and then blacking out. I don't really remember the celebration.””
