Lindsey Heaps: Homecoming to Denver Summit FC Sparks Excitement in NWSL
U.S. Women’s National Team captain Lindsey Heaps is set to join NWSL expansion team Denver Summit FC, marking a significant moment as she returns to her home state of Colorado. The midfielder's stellar career, including international success and European achievements, adds a new dimension to the club's ambitions. Let's dive into the details of this blockbuster signing and what it means for women's soccer.
U.S. Women’s National Team captain Lindsey Heaps is returning to her home state of Colorado, set to join NWSL expansion side Denver Summit FC in a blockbuster signing. The midfielder will link up with the club following the conclusion of her season with OL Lyonnes, expected in June 2026. Heaps has 170 international caps and has scored 38 goals.The NWSL expansion team announced the news Monday, adding one of the top stars of women's soccer to their roster. “Lindsey will bring a world-class level to our team and represents the ambition of this club on-and-off the field,” said Summit FC Head Coach Nick Cushing. Heaps, 31, currently plays for OL Lyonnes in France's top division and has also played in the NWSL, where she led the Portland Thorns to two NWSL Shields and a Championship. Her resume is one of the best, mixing in USWNT World Cup titles, Olympic gold medals and four Division 1 Féminine titles, a UEFA Women’s Champions League title, and the Coupe de France Féminine, to name a few.“Lindsey has won at every level of the game. Her leadership, talent, and professionalism will continue to raise the standard for Summit FC when she arrives this summer. We are thrilled to welcome a hometown player back to Denver as we work to win championships and grow our club and community," Cushing said. Heaps expressed her excitement about returning to Colorado. “I’m incredibly excited to come home to Colorado and join Denver Summit FC,” Heaps said in a press release. “This club represents something special, not just for the league, but for this community and for the next generation of players growing up here. I’m fully committed to finishing the season strong with OL Lyonnes, and I can’t wait to begin this next chapter in Denver this summer.”Heaps was born and raised in Golden, Colo., and played for the Colorado Rush before her career took off, where she bypassed a college career and scholarship at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, to sign a six-figure deal with Paris Saint-Germain. Hayes returning to the NWSL is not just a defining moment for the newest club, but also for the league as a whole. At a time where it appears like more players are taking their talents overseas, Heaps is doing the opposite: Coming back stateside. “Signing Lindsey Heaps is a defining moment for Denver Summit FC,” Summit FC General Manager Curt Johnson said. “She represents the very highest level of excellence as a player, a leader, and a professional. To welcome her back home to Colorado and to have her help shape the identity of this club is incredibly meaningful.”Heaps has years of experience in the NWSL, and with Portland Thorns FC she helped the club win the 2017 NWSL Championship, the NWSL Shield in 2016 and 2021, and the NWSL Challenge Cup in 2021. She also eared NWSL MVP honors in 2018. Her time with OL Lyonnes started in 2022 and she's been instrumental in the midfield helping the French side earn four Division 1 Féminine titles.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingHeaps will finish off her season with OL Lyonnes before joining Denver Summit FC ahead of the second half of the 2026 NWSL season. She signed through the 2029 season with Summit FC. Heaps and the Lyonnes will play Lens next on Jan. 14 for the first Division 1 Féminine play of the 2026 year.
The Homecoming of a Soccer Icon
Lindsey Heaps, a Colorado native, is making her way back to her roots with her signing for Denver Summit FC. After an illustrious career on the global stage, Heaps' return to the NWSL is a momentous occasion for both the club and the league as a whole. Her leadership, talent, and winning mentality promise to elevate the standards at Summit FC.
A Reigning Champion's Legacy
Heaps' track record speaks for itself—a World Cup winner, Olympic gold medalist, and multiple-time league champion. Her accomplishments with clubs like OL Lyonnes in France and Portland Thorns FC in the NWSL have solidified her status as a top-tier player. With a wealth of experience and accolades, Heaps brings a winning mentality and professionalism that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact at Denver Summit FC.
Shaping the Future of Women's Soccer
Beyond her on-field prowess, Heaps' influence extends to inspiring the next generation of players. By choosing to return to the NWSL at a time when players are increasingly drawn to opportunities overseas, she sets a powerful example of loyalty and commitment to her roots. Denver Summit FC, under Heaps' guidance, aims to not only compete for titles but also contribute to the growth of soccer in the community.
Anticipating a Bright Future
As Heaps prepares to conclude her season with OL Lyonnes and transition to Denver Summit FC in the summer, fans eagerly await her impact on the NWSL. The signing represents a significant milestone for both the player and the club, heralding a new chapter filled with promise and potential. Stay tuned as Heaps continues to write her story, now back where it all began—in the heart of Colorado.
