Let the Olympics book deals begin.
Alex Morgan, the gold medalist and key member of the U.S. Olympic soccer team, has signed with Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing for "The Kicks," a three-book series for middle schoolers. The first novel will come next summer, the publisher announced Monday. The main characters will be four young girls. The themes will be friendship, leadership and, of course, soccer.
Morgan, 23, had three goals and four assists as the U.S. women's team won its third consecutive gold medal. In a statement released by Simon & Schuster, she said she wanted her books to "inspire young girls" and "celebrate" her love of soccer.
Morgan helped propel the United States to the gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics. The Southern California native thrived as a starter, scoring three goals and setting up four more in the competition. The goal she scored in extra time against Canada sent the U.S. to the final, and made her a national sports icon.
The U.S. women won't compete in another major tournament until 2015 — the next FIFA Women's World Cup.
NESN contributed to this story
