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Jeff Kassouf
Multiple Authors
GOLDEN, Colo. – Traveling west from Denver on the Golden Freeway, past the numerous billboards lining Interstate-70 and the ever-increasing traffic of the metro area, you’ll discover a grand Coors brewery emerging from the landscape—an unofficial introduction to this charming western town.
Golden, Colorado, gained notoriety during the gold rush of the late 19th century, and its name fittingly symbolizes the groundbreaking career of U.S. women’s national team captain Lindsey Heaps.
Fourteen years ago, Heaps left Colorado for France, becoming the first American woman to forego college to sign a professional contract straight out of high school. Making the leap at 18 was a bold move in 2012, shortly after the demise of the second U.S. professional women’s soccer league. It would take another five years before another American woman took a similar path.
This Saturday, Heaps’ journey comes full circle as she is set to make her debut for Denver Summit FC, an NWSL expansion team that just kicked off its season in March.
“It’s a surreal experience,” Heaps shared with ESPN. “I’m heading to training on I-25, a highway I used to take all the time as a kid to play club soccer. This feels incredibly surreal.”
At the time, who could have predicted that the 18-year-old prodigy heading to France would eventually spend the majority of her career overseas, earning World Cup and Olympic titles while rising to captain of the U.S. national team?
And what were the chances that Denver, which previously lacked a significant professional women’s sports team, would introduce an NWSL franchise just in time for Heaps to join during her career?
Just as her choice to skip college was incredibly significant, Heaps’ return to Colorado holds deep personal meaning. Her career trajectory is nothing short of pioneering, with many of her decisions also profoundly affecting her and her parents, whose unwavering support has been a vital part of the 31-year-old midfielder’s story.
Heaps steps into what could be a fitting conclusion to a career that began with a shy young woman leaving home to carve her path, only to return to the future she helped shape.
A transformative decision for women’s soccer
While it’s common to see teenage players going professional in men’s soccer, this was a relatively new occurrence for women. Such opportunities existed mainly in Europe until the NWSL allowed under-18 players in 2021.
Now, Olivia Moultrie, Jaedyn Shaw, Gisele Thompson, and Claire Hutton are all USWNT regulars who began their professional careers as teenagers in the NWSL. Mallory Swanson and Sophia Wilson did it before them. Youth stardom has become a realistic pursuit, albeit reserved for exceptional players.
However, in 2012, such a pathway seemed impossible. The NWSL was nonexistent, and the future of women’s professional soccer in the U.S. appeared bleak. The only credible route to World Cup success was to play for top college teams recognized by the U.S. national team. This is why Heaps’ entry into the professional realm is storied and widely known.
At just 18, she signed with Paris Saint-Germain, turning down a chance to play for the University of North Carolina, an elite program producing countless national team players. Her choice was spurred by the allure of pursuing her passion for soccer, despite the risks.
“Like any parent, I watched her grow and make these decisions,” said Mark Horan, Heaps’ father. “It’s inspiring to see; she’s always had that drive. Whatever she set her mind to, she made it happen.”
Heaps received offers from the nation’s top college programs, including North Carolina and Stanford. As her mother, Linda Horan, recalls, she would often have to respond to coaches on her daughter’s behalf, encouraging her to visit campuses.
“It was all about soccer for me,” Heaps admitted. “Focusing on anything else felt like it was taking away from my improvements on the field. I knew I could excel in this one thing if I devoted myself completely to it.”
After a lengthy discussion with youth coach Erik Bushey, Heaps committed to going professional. She excitedly called her father to share the news but couldn’t reach her mother. Instead, Heaps woke Linda from her sleep to deliver the life-changing message.
Heaps joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2012 as a powerful young forward known for her aerial prowess and goal-scoring ability. By 2016, she returned to the U.S. as a midfielder for the Portland Thorns and a hopeful for the USWNT. She was named NWSL MVP in 2018 and played a crucial role in the U.S. women’s team’s triumph in the 2019 World Cup.
It wasn’t until nearly five years later that Swanson followed Heaps and went pro without attending college. Moultrie would later make headlines for successfully challenging the NWSL rule that kept her, then 15, from signing with Portland in 2021, which eventually led to changes within the league.
“I take immense pride in being the first,” said Heaps, “because it opened doors for others.”
France called Heaps back in 2022 when she joined the renowned Olympique Lyonnais (now OL Lyonnes). For four years, she thrived at Lyonnes, gathering a UEFA Champions League title and establishing herself as a midfield staple.
With her contract expiring this summer, plans for a grand homecoming had been set in motion.
Returning to Denver, but not solely for nostalgia
The NWSL Board of Governors confirmed Denver as the league’s 16th franchise in December 2024.
Heaps was uncertain if a return to the NWSL was in her future. After eight seasons in France, she often spoke fondly of the European soccer culture and anticipated that a return home was unlikely. Even amidst Denver’s announcement as a potential team, she was cautious not to invest emotionally, knowing that there were no guarantees about the team’s existence.
But then it became a reality. Cohen and Summit’s general manager Curt Johnson were committed to recruiting top players from Colorado, and the franchise was clear about its pursuit of Heaps.
“I didn’t want to return just because it was home,” She said. “I needed to ensure this was the right fit for me, especially with the World Cup ahead next summer.”
Cohen, Johnson, and head coach Nick Cushing presented a compelling vision for the team’s future, highlighting roster goals paired with an attractive style of play that balances possession with transition.
“Bringing in a player of her caliber, a national team captain, elevates our mentality,” said Cushing, commenting on the impact of Heaps’ joining the team. “It’s been evident in our practice sessions over the past few days. Strategically, her versatility provides us with numerous options.”
Excitingly, all these developments coincide with a newly constructed training facility and a temporary stadium set to debut on Saturday. Plans for a permanent stadium are projected for completion by 2028, reinforcing the thoughtful foundation the Denver franchise is establishing for the future.
“When it finally became real, I couldn’t believe it,” Heaps remarked. “The emotions started to hit me.”
Early on in conversations with Denver, Heaps sensed she wanted to come home. However, this time, she opted to share such monumental news in a more profound manner, surprising her parents during their holiday get-together rather than delivering a phone call.
The team even captured their excited reaction on film, and in January, they officially announced Heaps’ signing for the summer, post the European season.
“It’s like a dream come true,” Linda shared about Heaps’ decision to return. While Mark and Linda were eager for her return, they refrained from pressuring her, as parents often do. They learned to navigate their hopes without influencing her choices.
Their sentiments resonate in their excited conversations, coupled with the memorabilia on display in their home, including a dedicated “Olympic room” adorned with treasures from Heaps’ journey.
Growing up in Golden
Nestled on a hill overlooking Golden’s main street is a serene neighborhood, where Heaps grew up and where her parents still reside.
Linda served as Heaps’ first soccer coach, stepping in when her daughter was too shy to join other teams. Armed with a “Soccer for Dummies” book, she began guiding her daughter.
Just a short walk from the Horan’s home lies a community park where Linda coached several girls on Heaps’ first official team. The pair would set up goals in the park, with Linda distributing stickers to players who displayed good sportsmanship—Heaps fondly remembers her desire for more stickers.
Linda has been pivotal in shaping Heaps’ soccer journey, as Mark shared, “She pretty much guided Lindsey through her entire soccer life.”
The yard, slightly transformed from the addition of a back deck, still had enough space for Heaps and her older brother, Michael, to create their makeshift sports arena.
Michael, an accomplished athlete himself, continues to inspire the family. Mark and Linda are devoted runners, participating in ultramarathons together, including two 50km races last year alongside Mark’s remarkable 370-mile ultramarathon challenge.
Heaps inherited a competitive spirit and a tenacity characteristic of younger siblings: if Michael took on a challenge, she wanted to do it too, including playing American football. She learned to throw a perfect pass in their backyard, guided by Mark’s coaching.
Heaps’ accolades include a World Cup, Olympic gold medal, UEFA Champions League title, NWSL Championship, and NWSL Shield, yet the one trophy that evaded her grasp was from the NFL’s old “Punt, Pass, & Kick” contest.
Heaps showcased her talent locally and finished second nationally in the 2005-2006 edition, narrowly missing the win. The next year, she could not compete due to youth national team commitments. Her NFL awards remain on display in the Horan family’s finished basement alongside her World Cup and Olympic memories.
Declining a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in Lyon
Soccer has always been Heaps’ top priority. A year before her move to PSG, a family trip was interrupted by a phone call at the airport in Spain. Tim Schulz, who ran the Colorado Rush club Heaps played for, presented her with an opportunity to train with Lyon during their preseason.
“That trip turned into quite an ordeal for our family,” Linda recalled, while Mark interjected, “It was anything but a pleasant cruise.” The family spent the next two weeks deliberating about the opportunity, which added stress to their vacation. To ease the burden, her friend Erik Bushey volunteered to accompany Heaps to France.
After a fortnight, Lyon’s coach Patrice Lair offered Heaps a contract, although she would need to wait until her 18th birthday to play for the senior team. Heaps returned home to discuss the offer with her family. After consideration, she chose to decline.
“To aspire for greatness, you must also have the courage to determine when it’s not the right moment,” Bushey told ESPN. “It’s as brave to say no to an opportunity as it is to pursue success.”
Reflecting on her choice, Heaps affirmed, “It was the right decision at that time. I didn’t feel ready and wanted to be sure it was the correct path for me.”
A year later, despite Lyon’s success, the club didn’t have space for Heaps, leading her to join Paris Saint-Germain instead.
The initial days in France were challenging for everyone. Linda spent two weeks with her daughter before needing to return to work, and she vividly remembers the moment she had to leave—a taxi drove off as her 18-year-old daughter waved goodbye, thrust into adulthood in a foreign land. The subsequent weeks were filled with emotional video calls made from Heaps’ sessions at the local McDonald’s to connect with her mother.
“I went through what felt like a very dark period,” Heaps admitted. “I felt disconnected from my love for the game—at one point, I even questioned whether I still enjoyed soccer. It was an overwhelming experience, especially being away from family and friends.” (Heaps has publicly addressed the body-shaming issues she faced during her early career at PSG.)
Things began to shift when fellow American Tobin Heath joined PSG, becoming a mentor and friend to Heaps—“like a big sister,” as Linda described, prompting Heaps to thank Heath with a card.
Mark and Linda made it a priority to visit France whenever possible, supporting their daughter during key club matches and her historic achievements with the USWNT. After signing with the Portland Thorns in 2016, visits became more regular; she came home at the request of U.S. Soccer and former USWNT coach Jill Ellis, effectively paving her path to the 2016 Olympics.
Each career choice Heaps made was a strategic step forward.
Objectives realized with the USWNT and within the NWSL
As with all family stories, there are varied interpretations of events, but Heaps made her soccer aspirations known at a young age. A professional player, a member of the U.S. national team, and the best player in the world were among her stated ambitions.
She recalls crystallizing her aspiration: One of her first trips with her youth club, Colorado Rush, she boldly voiced her desire to be the sole player to go professional, despite not being the top player there at the time. “But I knew that through hard work, I could surpass them,” she reflects.
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Denver Summit sets NWSL record with 63k fans
Heaps dedicated herself to multiple training sessions each night, often practicing with three different teams, while Linda worked in the car, waiting for her daughter to finish so she could keep training. Heaps participated in early morning sessions that allowed her to receive credit from the local school district. Bushey often organized these early trainings, driving the kids back to school afterward.
“She was relentless,” Mark remarked fondly, a sentiment Heaps doesn’t dispute. She was determined and committed like few elite players.
“You can be driven but not necessarily driven to learn or develop as a player,” Bushey pointed out. “She never shied away from challenges. If anything, they fueled her.”
In her formative years, Heaps was viewed as a physically powerful forward, likened to a future Abby Wambach. Yet, inspired by her idol Lionel Messi, she pivoted to define herself as a midfielder, focusing on technical prowess and tactical intelligence. Her knees have endured significant strain from years of rigorous training and a lengthy professional career, evident now as she takes on captain duties with expectations to elevate the NWSL expansion team.
As captain of the USWNT, Heaps is a key player heading into the 2027 World Cup. While discussions persist regarding how USWNT head coach Emma Hayes should utilize Heaps amid a wealth of midfield talent, those questions center around roles rather than her inclusion in the squad.
Heaps acknowledges the importance of her role with the USWNT, and being back in Denver allows her to maintain a high training level while reducing travel strain as she prepares for national team camps. Additionally, she can be closer to her husband, Tyler, who serves as the sporting director and general manager for MLS side San Diego FC.
“As life progresses, priorities shift, and achieving a balance is often overlooked,” Heaps reflected. She recalls her moments of contemplation upon arriving in France in 2012, emphasizing her family’s persistent support: “We dedicate so much of our lives to this sport, seeing it as a job, but we’d all do well to remember the joy we felt the first time we kicked a ball.”
Connections in life matter deeply. As her parents highlight, Heaps has consistently built strong relationships wherever she ventured. She fostered bonds with her teammates over the years, often finding it hard to say goodbye when leaving Lyon. Dorrance remains in contact, texting after most USWNT matches, and Bushey officiated Heaps’ wedding.
Now, her parents are delighted their daughter plays within a short drive—providing opportunities for family dinners or leisurely strolls to the park where Heaps first discovered her love for soccer. It has been a long journey back home, and the start of this next chapter will be unforgettable.