From scoring at the 2016 Olympics as an 18-year-old prodigy to overcoming career-threatening injuries, Mallory Swanson has shown she’s just built different. A powerhouse in attack and a model of resilience, her rise is impossible to ignore—just ask Alex Morgan. As Michael Jordan once said, “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life, and that is why I succeed.“ Now, as Mal continues to crush it on the field and turn every setback into a comeback, Alex is the first to say that this fierce, young star is here to stay.

After overcoming a significant knee injury, Swanson not only made it to the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics but also delivered in the biggest moment. In the gold medal match against Brazil, she scored the game-winning goal, leading the USWNT to a 1-0 victory. But it’s not just about the Olympics. Swanson has been equally impressive in the NWSL, playing 25 games this season, scoring seven goals, and providing four assists.

Since she retired from soccer, Alex Morgan has been diving into various new ventures. In a recent conversation with TODAY.com, she shared her thoughts on the next generation of strikers and opened up about her admiration for Mallory Swanson’s career. She notes that Swanson’s career has been “tumultuous,” referring to the significant challenges the player has faced, particularly multiple injuries that have threatened her momentum.

Morgan, who has seen Swanson grow from a young player joining the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) at just 16 years old, praised her for her resilience. “She has completely dominated and I think she’s only going to go up from here, so, I feel like that is something that, (I) absolutely love and respect about Mal.” Morgan sees a bright future for the young player and feels that Swanson is on an upward trajectory, with much more to accomplish.

Swanson’s rise has been part of the dynamic trio, the Triple Espresso, alongside Trinity Rodman and Sophia Smith. This nickname reflects their high-energy, goal-scoring power. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, the trio scored 10 out of the USWNT’s 12 goals, playing a crucial role in securing the Olympic gold. Just like the nickname suggests, the more espresso you get, the more goals you score, and the more gold medals you win.

Not just Mallory Swanson, don’t you want to know what Alex Morgan thinks about the new-gen in attack?

Alex Morgan also brews up praise for the rest of the Triple Espresso

In the same recent chat with ‘TODAY.com’, Alex Morgan shared her admiration for her USWNT teammates, Trinity Rodman, and Sophia Smith. Alex Morgan highlighted Trinity Rodman’s vibrant personality both on and off the field. By saying Rodman is “really fun, she loves dancing and has so much personality.” Morgan paints a picture of Rodman as not just a talented athlete but someone who brings a unique, engaging presence to the team.

When it comes to Sophia Smith, Morgan says she feels a special connection. “She does what she needs to do … I feel like Soph is a little bit ruthless in terms of how she plays, but she does it super gracefully,” Morgan explained. “She’s pretty fun with it, so I could see a little bit of myself in Soph.” Morgan’s words show just how much she relates to Smith’s on-field mentality, and how she sees the same fierce determination in her.

With Morgan’s reflections on these rising stars, it’s clear that the future of the USWNT is in good hands. Do you think the same way?