[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 200 (Thursday, December 22, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE LIFE OF GRANT WAHL

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. SHARICE DAVIDS

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 22, 2022

  Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
and legacy of sports journalist and native of Kansas' Third District, 
Grant Wahl. Born in Mission, Kansas, Mr. Wahl epitomized everything we 
value in Kansas City: he was kind, curious, and welcoming to all.
  While growing up in Kansas, Mr. Wahl was an Eagle Scout, a diligent 
student, and a devoted fan of the Kansas City Comets soccer team. This 
groundwork of service, intellectual curiosity, and enthusiasm for 
sports would serve him well throughout his life. After graduating from 
Shawnee Mission East High School, Mr. Wahl attended Princeton 
University. Once there, the Kansas City Comets fan became a Princeton 
Tigers fan. He not only rooted for the Princeton Tigers men's soccer 
team but also covered their games in the Daily Princetonian. His love 
of soccer grew deeper, and his coverage of the sport became richer and 
more nuanced. He began exploring the intersections of his lifelong 
interests in civics, journalism, and sports. This foundation would be 
crucial for the rest of his career as a sports journalist.
  While today we may know Mr. Wahl as one of the premier soccer 
journalists in America, soccer was only one of many sports that he 
covered in his career. His diverse coverage of sports led to some 
incredible journalistic highlights--including his prescient 2002 Sports 
Illustrated cover piece about then-high school basketball phenom LeBron 
James. No matter what he wrote about or who he interviewed, Mr. Wahl 
treated everyone with care and respect. He spent his career promoting 
women's soccer and the U.S. women's national team and dedicated his 
life to ensuring equal rights for all, including LGBTQ+ communities. 
Mr. Wahl loved soccer--much like we do in Kansas City--and used his 
passion to connect with fans from every corner of the globe. His voice 
will be missed not just in American sports journalism but by everyone 
who cheers for the world's game.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud that Grant Wahl had roots in the Kansas 
Third District, and I lament that his life ended so early. I send my 
condolences for this tragic death to Mr. Wahl's wife, Dr. Celine 
Gounder, his brother Eric, and all his loved ones. He leaves behind him 
a legacy of curiosity and compassion that we may all find light within.

                          ____________________