On November 26, Arizona native, Phoenix College alum and 2019 FIFA Women’s National Soccer Team World Cup champion, Jessica McDonald, will return home to be celebrated and recognized by Phoenix College (PC) and the City of Phoenix for inspiring Arizonans and athletes all over the world.

The City of Phoenix has declared November 26 as Jessica McDonald Day and at a ceremony held on Tuesday, November 26, Councilmember Laura Pastor will present the proclamation. During this ceremony, Phoenix College will also retire McDonald’s PC jersey number.

“Jessica’s journey to the 2019 FIFA Women’s National Soccer Team World Cup Championship did not come without setbacks and hardships. To get there, she endured a knee injury that could have ended her career, she was a single mother and the only mother on the team, and she was nearly a decade older than most of her U.S.A. teammates,” said Dr. Larry Johnson, Phoenix College President. “As a student here at PC, she carried a full college course load and held the title of a three-sport-athlete – she practically lived at Phoenix College. Jessica’s passion, dedication and work ethic are inspiring, and we couldn’t be more honored to welcome her back to recognize and celebrate her journey.”

McDonald attended Phoenix College from 2006-2007 where she was named a First-Team Junior College All-American in soccer and National Junior College Player of the Year. In addition, McDonald received First-Team, All-Conference and All-Regional Honors and quickly became the most-decorated women’s athlete in the history of PC.

The Jessica McDonald Day proclamation and PC number retirement ceremony will kick off at 10 a.m. on November 26, 2019 in front of the Hannelly Center at Phoenix College. Remarks will be given by PC President Dr. Larry Johnson, head PC Men’s Soccer Coach David Cameron, who also trained her as she prepared for the 2019 World Cup, and former head women’s soccer coach Morgan Lee.

McDonald is just one of many prestigious alumni who will be honored throughout PC’s Centennial Celebration in 2020.