USWNT Captain Heaps Joins Denver Summit as League Expands
In a move that has sent shockwaves throughout the soccer world, US Women's National Team (USWNT) captain Lindsey Heaps is set to join the newly formed NWSL team, Denver Summit, this summer. With her current contract with French club OL Lyon coming to an end, Heaps will be heading back to the United States to play in her home state, a decision that has been years in the making.
Heaps, 31, is no stranger to success, having won league titles in both the US and France, as well as a Champions League title, a World Cup, and an Olympic gold medal. Her impressive résumé has made her one of the most sought-after players in the world, but it's clear that Denver Summit was always at the top of her list.
"I think they align with all of my beliefs in how they see the team, how they see it becoming successful, and the investment that they're putting in," Heaps said during an interview. "And then hearing Nick and how he sees football, I think that was a huge deciding factor for me as well." Coach Nick Cushing, formerly of Manchester City women's team and NYC FC, is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in the world.
Denver Summit has been busy assembling its roster, bringing in talented players such as Ally Watt, Carson Pickett, Kaleigh Kurtz, and Ayo Oke. Heaps will undoubtedly be a key player for the team, known for her aggressive facilitation on the field and impressive aerial ability – standing at 5-foot-9, she has an advantage in these areas.
As Sheaps joins Denver Summit, it marks a new era for the NWSL. With high-profile departures to Europe from other US national team stars, such as Naomi Girma and Alyssa Thompson, the league is introducing new measures to attract and retain talent. The "High Impact Player Rule" allows teams to exceed their salary cap by up to $1 million to lure top players.
For Heaps, returning to the NWSL was always an option, but her decision to join Denver Summit shows that she values family ties as much as athletic success. Her husband, Tyler Heaps, is the general manager and sporting director of MLS's San Diego FC, and the couple has been juggling a transatlantic relationship for years.
Heaps' time abroad has undoubtedly made her a more complete player. "The reason I left, at the time I left, was that I wanted to go experience something different," she explained. "Not negating what Portland gave me or what the NWSL gave me, but I was just like, I'd been there for six years and I wanted another challenge and I'd be remiss if I didn't go and try to challenge myself in a different way in France again."
With Heaps on board, Denver Summit is set to become a force to be reckoned with in the NWSL. The team will undoubtedly face stiff competition from other teams, but with its impressive new signing, it's clear that this could be a season to remember.
In a move that has sent shockwaves throughout the soccer world, US Women's National Team (USWNT) captain Lindsey Heaps is set to join the newly formed NWSL team, Denver Summit, this summer. With her current contract with French club OL Lyon coming to an end, Heaps will be heading back to the United States to play in her home state, a decision that has been years in the making.
Heaps, 31, is no stranger to success, having won league titles in both the US and France, as well as a Champions League title, a World Cup, and an Olympic gold medal. Her impressive résumé has made her one of the most sought-after players in the world, but it's clear that Denver Summit was always at the top of her list.
"I think they align with all of my beliefs in how they see the team, how they see it becoming successful, and the investment that they're putting in," Heaps said during an interview. "And then hearing Nick and how he sees football, I think that was a huge deciding factor for me as well." Coach Nick Cushing, formerly of Manchester City women's team and NYC FC, is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in the world.
Denver Summit has been busy assembling its roster, bringing in talented players such as Ally Watt, Carson Pickett, Kaleigh Kurtz, and Ayo Oke. Heaps will undoubtedly be a key player for the team, known for her aggressive facilitation on the field and impressive aerial ability – standing at 5-foot-9, she has an advantage in these areas.
As Sheaps joins Denver Summit, it marks a new era for the NWSL. With high-profile departures to Europe from other US national team stars, such as Naomi Girma and Alyssa Thompson, the league is introducing new measures to attract and retain talent. The "High Impact Player Rule" allows teams to exceed their salary cap by up to $1 million to lure top players.
For Heaps, returning to the NWSL was always an option, but her decision to join Denver Summit shows that she values family ties as much as athletic success. Her husband, Tyler Heaps, is the general manager and sporting director of MLS's San Diego FC, and the couple has been juggling a transatlantic relationship for years.
Heaps' time abroad has undoubtedly made her a more complete player. "The reason I left, at the time I left, was that I wanted to go experience something different," she explained. "Not negating what Portland gave me or what the NWSL gave me, but I was just like, I'd been there for six years and I wanted another challenge and I'd be remiss if I didn't go and try to challenge myself in a different way in France again."
With Heaps on board, Denver Summit is set to become a force to be reckoned with in the NWSL. The team will undoubtedly face stiff competition from other teams, but with its impressive new signing, it's clear that this could be a season to remember.
I'm literally freaking out over this news!! Lindsey Heaps is finally coming back to the US and joining Denver Summit 
I mean, who wouldn't want to see her on the pitch? She's an absolute legend with all that experience and success under her belt 
. And now she's gonna be part of a team with Coach Cushing at the helm... that's like a dream come true for any fan 
. I'm so hyped for this new era in NWSL, it's gonna be lit 
!
! i love how she's talking about her values and beliefs in the team and coach... like what does that even mean lol? sorry, not trying to be silly but idk what kind of language is used in sports now 
. seriously though, it sounds like Denver Summit is getting a really talented player and i'm curious to see how she'll do. has anyone played with her before? what's her playing style like? 
the high impact player rule is a game changer, for sure. can't wait to see how it all plays out this season! 
. He's been around the block a few times, coaching top-tier teams in Europe, and he knows what it takes to win. I'm curious to see how Denver Summit will adapt with him at the helm.
. If Heaps can help attract more top talent like her, then that's a win for the NWSL. But let's not forget, there are other teams vying for those players too 
.
her husband is actually the gm of san diego fc which makes this even more special 
i'm so curious to see how denver summit does this season!