To be selected for the annual MLS All-Star game is an achievement in itself. To also represent the league at the White House is monumental.
Sounders forward Jordan Morris did exactly that during the 2023 MLS All-Star Week.
Leading up to the July 16 MLS All-Star match held in Washington D.C., Morris was one of the few selected players to participate in a youth soccer clinic event organized by First Lady Jill Biden on the South Lawn of the White House.
“I was super excited to be able to go,” said Morris. “It's pretty cool to obviously grow up learning about American history and then to be able to be there and kind of be immersed in it.”
Morris, along with his fellow All-Star teammates, coached and engaged in drills and activities with young athletes associated with the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreations soccer programs throughout the duration of the clinic.
The event had also given the All-stars access to a tour of the White House, the opportunity to meet the First Lady and an unexpected cameo from President Joe Biden himself.
“I knew Jill was going to be there and we were able to shake her hand a few times, but I think having Joe come out was a little bit of a surprise,” said Morris. “I was definitely a little nervous, but it was pretty surreal seeing them both up close.”
Morris described the day as something that only happens “once-in-a-lifetime.”
Even more so being in the company of those he holds near and dear to his heart.
“My parents were able to come, so it was fun to be able to share that with them,” said Morris.
Along with the importance that comes with being invited to the President’s residence, this experience serves as a reminder of all the hard work Morris has put in this season in order to be in Washington D.C., at the White House, and participating in a match with all of the top players from across the league.
“It's always a huge honor,” said Morris. “It's a goal of mine at the beginning of the season to be an All-Star, so to be there, to be able to represent the Sounders, it felt great.”
