Lindsey Heaps is coming house.
has made a significant assertion forward of its inaugural season, signing the U.S. girls’s nationwide crew captain on a contract by 2029.
Heaps will be a part of up along with her hometown crew in June on the conclusion of the season along with her present crew OL Lyonnes.
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The transfer appears to be like like a no brainer for all events. Heaps returns house to play in entrance of family and friends, whereas the Summit have their franchise cornerstone and a neighborhood star to create buzz within the Denver market.
“There’s simply a lot pleasure and happiness realizing that there is a skilled girls’s soccer crew in Denver, and now that I get to be part of it, it is simply such a particular feeling,” Heaps advised USA Right this moment Sports activities.
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Heaps immediately turns into one of many NWSL’s marquee names. The 31-year-old midfielder has already received practically the whole lot there may be to win for membership and nation. Her résumé consists of league titles within the NWSL and France, a Champions League title, an Olympic gold medal and a World Cup. She’s made 170 appearances for the USWNT, serving as captain since 2023.
Denver’s transfer to land the Golden, Colorado, native is important not only for Heaps and the Summit, however for the NWSL as a complete.
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The NWSL has seen a number of of Heaps’ USWNT teammates go away for European golf equipment over the previous two years. The exodus led to the current , a mechanism designed to pay star gamers outdoors of the league’s wage cap.
Although it has been a tough stretch for the league, Heaps urged followers to take a extra holistic method to the NWSL’s struggles retaining high expertise.
“I feel folks have to have a look at it from a distinct perspective,” she mentioned. “Clearly, any NWSL crew or supporter goes to be upset if one in all their favourite gamers goes abroad. However on the identical time you need to notice gamers need totally different experiences. We would like totally different alternatives. We need to problem ourselves in numerous methods.”
Nonetheless, Heaps is aware of that her return could possibly be an enormous second for the league.
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“I feel it does imply so much to see one other nationwide crew participant coming again. I feel that is hopefully thrilling for the league,” she added.
United States midfielder Lindsey Heaps passes the ball towards Italy through the first half at Chase Stadium on Dec. 1, 2025.
Heaps is one thing of a pioneer by way of shifting overseas, beginning her professional profession with Paris Saint-Germain in 2012 when leaping abroad was far much less widespread. After spending the vast majority of her professional profession in France, Heaps was prepared to go house – with one catch.
As a result of the European and NWSL seasons do not align, Heaps was left with an unenviable selection: go away her present crew at midseason or be a part of her future crew at midseason.
It was a straightforward selection for Heaps.
“I made it very clear that I might be staying in Lyon to satisfy my contract right here and to play out this season,” she mentioned. “That was actually vital to me.”
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Heaps mentioned that the Summit pushed for her to maneuver earlier, however the membership – led by former Manchester Metropolis head coach Nick Cushing – understood her perspective.
“Nick understood as a result of he has been in Europe. He has been teaching Champions League groups,” Heaps mentioned. “This is essential to me and he knew I might need to fulfill my contract. I need to win each title potential this 12 months with Lyon.”
For Heaps, returning to Denver could have yet another main profit.
Heaps married San Diego FC sporting director Tyler Heaps in December 2024. Marking the couple’s one-year anniversary in a final month, Tyler famous that that they had spent simply 60 days collectively of their first 12 months of marriage.
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Transferring again to the US ought to make sure the couple surpasses that quantity in 12 months two.
“Tyler and I’ve been superb on this relationship supporting one another from afar,” Heaps mentioned. “It has been very tough. I do not assume lots of people know the sacrifices and what it takes to try this.
“This makes it a hell of so much simpler and a shorter flight, and the time zones are slightly bit higher,” she added. “So I’m very grateful for that.”
