Megan Rapinoe was seeing gold Sunday, literally.

The USWNT star started in the World Cup final against the Netherlands and scored the team's first goal en route to the USA's fourth cup title. Rapinoe was awarded the gold medal and also received the Golden Boot and Golden Ball. 

Rapinoe, vocal leader both on and off the pitch, has been on the receiving end of criticism and praise as she continued to stand up for racial equity, pay equality and LGBTQIA+ rights.

Rapinoe continued to use her platform even after the win and spoke Sunday about the team's fight for equal pay. She also called for action from the U.S. Soccer Federation (USFF).

She was quickly able to change gears from the match itself to the problems surrounding the game as a whole but was never once distracted when it came time to play.

Jill Ellis praised the national team veteran after half a decade coaching Rapinoe.

"I think it speaks volumes about her as a person," Ellis told reporters. "I think Megan was built for this, built for these moments, built to be a spokesperson for others. I’ve sat in a couple of pressers with her and she’s just incredibly eloquent. I think speaks well and speaks from her heart. We need people like that in the game, to be honest, to call things for what they are."

Ellis was asked if she had any problems with Rapinoe speaking out on various issues and she was quick to answer no.

"In terms of her dealing with this, no, I never had any issues with that because for the past four and a half-five years I’ve seen what she’s capable of," Ellis said. "I think almost the bigger the spotlight the more she shines. Sometimes spotlights can burn people but I think for Megan it just highlights who she is."