When Megan Rapinoe got engaged to indie-folk musician Sera Cahoone in August 2015, the pairing brought together two prominent figures from Seattle's creative and athletic communities. Fresh off a thrilling Women's World Cup victory with the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT), Rapinoe was stepping into a larger cultural spotlight, and Cahoone was an established name in the Pacific Northwest's independent music scene.
Though their relationship ultimately ended before marriage, understanding this chapter offers a clearer view of Rapinoe's personal evolution before her long-term relationship with WNBA legend Sue Bird. This piece examines the actual history of Rapinoe and Cahoone, separating facts from internet myths, and looks at how Rapinoe's public platform evolved during that period.
The 2015 Engagement and Seattle Roots
Megan Rapinoe and Sera Cahoone crossed paths in Seattle, a city known for supporting both progressive sports culture and independent arts. By 2015, Rapinoe was a cornerstone midfielder for both the USWNT and Seattle Reign FC. Cahoone, a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter signed to Sub Pop's orbit of indie artists, was deeply embedded in the local music community.
The couple announced their engagement on social media in August 2015, coinciding with Cahoone's birthday and arriving just weeks after Rapinoe's historic World Cup win in Canada. For nearly two years, the pair shared glimpses of their life together in Seattle, balancing touring schedules, professional soccer commitments, and community activism.
However, public scrutiny mounted as both women navigated demanding careers in the public eye. By January 2017, Rapinoe confirmed in interviews that their wedding plans were placed indefinitely on hold, and the couple quietly parted ways later that year, ending a roughly two-year engagement.
Career Paths Diverge: Music and Activism
Following the separation, both individuals continued focusing heavily on their respective crafts.
- Sera Cahoone: Remained fiercely dedicated to her music, prioritizing authentic songwriting and local Pacific Northwest touring rather than chasing mainstream celebrity culture.
- Megan Rapinoe: Accelerated her off-field advocacy, famously becoming the first white athlete to kneel during the national anthem in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick in 2016, and later spearheading the historic equal pay lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation.
Rapinoe’s willingness to blend sports with systemic social justice advocacy cemented her reputation as a generational changemaker. While media narratives often conflated her personal life with her political awakening, those close to the athlete noted that her outspoken nature came from personal conviction forged long before her national platform reached its peak.
Clarifying Common Misconceptions
Internet searches often muddy the timeline of high-profile LGBTQ+ athletes, leading to frequent factual errors. Here are the clear distinctions regarding Rapinoe's relationship history:
- Was Sera Cahoone a soccer player? No. Cahoone is an indie-folk singer-songwriter known for albums like Deer Creek Island.
- Did Rapinoe and Cahoone marry? No. They were engaged in August 2015, but called off the engagement and separated in 2017 before tying the knot.
- Who did Rapinoe date next? Rapinoe began a relationship with WNBA icon Sue Bird later in 2017 after meeting at the ESPY Awards, eventually announcing their engagement in 2020.
According to a Seattle Met profile, Rapinoe has spoken candidly about personal transitions, learning from past relationships, and embracing couples counseling to build healthier emotional foundations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Megan Rapinoe and Sera Cahoone date?
They began dating years prior to their public engagement in August 2015. Their relationship concluded with a separation in 2017.
What is Sera Cahoone's musical background?
Cahoone is a respected alt-country and indie-folk artist based in Seattle. She plays drums and guitar, and has released several acclaimed studio albums through regional independent labels.
How did Megan Rapinoe's activism shape her career?
Rapinoe leveraged her visibility as a two-time World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist to champion LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and gender equity in sports, permanently altering the expectations for modern athletes.
Are Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird still together?
Yes. After meeting in 2017, Rapinoe and Bird became one of sports' most high-profile power couples, announcing their engagement in late 2020 and remaining active in joint entrepreneurial and philanthropic ventures.
