Beyond The Pitch: 5 Shocking Facts About Megan Rapinoe's Twin Sister, Rachael, And Her Multi-Million Dollar Empire

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Few people know that soccer legend Megan Rapinoe, the two-time World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist, has an identical twin sister who is just as driven, competitive, and successful, albeit outside the global spotlight. As of December 23, 2025, while Megan has transitioned into a powerful figure in activism and impact investing following her retirement, her twin, Rachael Rapinoe, has quietly built a burgeoning business empire in the wellness sector, proving that competitive spirit runs deep in the family.

The story of the Rapinoe twins is a fascinating study in parallel paths, shared passion for soccer, and diverging careers that continue to influence each other. While Megan is celebrated for her on-field brilliance and vocal advocacy for the equal pay movement, Rachael has become a formidable entrepreneur, leveraging her athletic background to create a company that is revolutionizing sports recovery with a focus on plant-based medicine.

Rachael Rapinoe: A Complete Biography and Profile

Rachael Elizabeth Rapinoe is not just known as Megan’s twin; she is a former professional soccer player, a passionate wellness advocate, and a successful CEO in her own right. Her journey from the pitch to the boardroom highlights a relentless pursuit of excellence that mirrors her famous sister.

  • Full Name: Rachael Elizabeth Rapinoe
  • Date of Birth: July 5, 1985
  • Place of Birth: Redding, California, U.S.
  • Parents: Denise Rapinoe and Jim Rapinoe
  • Sibling: Megan Anna Rapinoe (Twin Sister), Brian Rapinoe (Older Brother)
  • Education: University of Portland (NCAA National Champion, 2005), Portland State University (Masters in Health and Exercise Science)
  • Soccer Career: University of Portland Pilots (Collegiate), Los Angeles Ajax (Semi-Professional), Stjarnan Women (Professional, Iceland)
  • Current Role: CEO and Founder of Mendi (CBD Sports Recovery Brand)
  • Other Ventures: Co-Founder of Rapinoe SC (Soccer Performance Training Company)
  • Notable Achievements: NCAA National Championship Winner, Entrepreneur, Wellness Advocate, Purpose-Driven Marketing Strategist

The Twin’s Parallel Soccer Careers and College Glory

The competitive fire between the Rapinoe twin siblings began in Redding, California, where they grew up playing soccer. Their shared path led them to one of the most prestigious collegiate soccer programs in the nation: the University of Portland Pilots.

Both Rachael and Megan played Division I collegiate soccer for the Pilots, establishing themselves as key players. In 2005, a defining moment came when the team, with both twins on the roster, won the coveted NCAA National Championship.

However, their professional careers took different trajectories. While Megan went on to become a global icon with the US Women's National Team (USWNT), Rachael pursued a professional career overseas, playing in Iceland for Stjarnan Women. She also played semi-professionally with the Los Angeles Ajax. Rachael's career was also marked by a serious ACL tear in 2006, an injury that both sisters have dealt with, showcasing a shared resilience.

Even after stepping away from professional play, their commitment to the sport remained. In 2009, Rachael and Megan co-founded Rapinoe SC, a nationwide network for youth soccer performance training and lifestyle apparel, ensuring their expertise continued to shape the next generation of athletes.

How Rachael Rapinoe Built a CBD Empire in 2025

The biggest and most recent chapter of Rachael Rapinoe’s life is her transition into a successful entrepreneur and CEO. Leveraging her Masters in Health and Exercise Science from Portland State University, she founded Mendi, a premium, PNW-based company specializing in hemp and CBD sports recovery products.

Mendi was launched in 2019 with a clear mission: to create natural healing solutions for athletes and the general public, championing women and marginalized communities in the process. The timing was prescient. The CBD market was projected to reach significant valuation by 2025, and Mendi positioned itself as a leader in the authentic, athlete-focused segment.

The company’s growth has been fueled not just by a quality product, but by a powerful network. The brand has strong ties to the professional sports world, not least because Megan Rapinoe and her partner, WNBA legend Sue Bird, are key investors and advocates. Megan has publicly stated that her post-retirement focus is on "impact investments," and Mendi is a perfect example of a business that aligns with her values of wellness and social change.

Mendi's Mission and Impact on the Wellness Industry

Rachael's vision for Mendi extends beyond simple recovery. She aims to normalize the use of cannabis and hemp-derived products in professional sports and everyday life, challenging outdated perceptions. Her work focuses on empowering active lifestyles with head-to-toe recovery, providing a plant-based alternative to traditional pain management.

As CEO, Rachael is recognized as a purpose-driven marketing strategist and a leader in the LGBTQIA+ community, ensuring Mendi’s brand identity is inclusive and progressive. This commitment to social impact is a core value shared by both Rapinoe sisters, solidifying Mendi as a brand with deep integrity.

The Striking Resemblance and Shared Activism

It is virtually impossible to discuss the Rapinoe twins without noting their striking physical resemblance. Rachael is often mistaken for Megan, a common experience for identical twin siblings. However, the similarities run much deeper than just appearance; they share a profound commitment to social justice and advocacy.

While Megan is internationally known for her outspokenness on the equal pay fight and LGBTQ+ rights, Rachael is equally dedicated to using her platform for change. Her company, Mendi, is built around supporting women and marginalized communities, and she is a strong voice for the queer community.

The sisters frequently appear together in joint ventures, including the co-founded Rapinoe SC and the investment in Mendi. This partnership demonstrates a powerful synergy, where Megan's global platform amplifies Rachael's business mission, and Rachael's entrepreneurial success provides a tangible, impact-driven venture for Megan's post-retirement legacy.

The Future: What’s Next for the Rapinoe Twins?

As Megan Rapinoe navigates her retirement years—cementing her legacy as one of the most influential athletes of her generation, a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, and a World Cup hero—her focus is shifting to off-field impact.

Rachael, meanwhile, continues to expand Mendi’s reach in the competitive wellness market, aiming to solidify its position as the premier CBD sports recovery brand. Her expertise in health and exercise science, combined with her experience as a professional athlete, gives Mendi a unique and credible edge.

The Rapinoe twins represent a dynamic duo of athletic excellence and entrepreneurial spirit. Their story serves as a powerful reminder that success can be found on multiple stages—from the Olympic pitch to the corporate boardroom—and that the strongest partnerships are often those built on a foundation of shared values, competitive drive, and unwavering family support.

megan rapinoe twin
megan rapinoe twin

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