Lindsey Heaps Joins Denver Summit FC: A Major Addition to NWSL

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team, Denver Summit FC, announced on Monday the addition of one of women’s soccer’s premier talents, Lindsey Heaps, to their roster.

“Lindsey will bring a world-class level to our team and embodies the ambition of this club both on and off the field,” stated Summit FC Head Coach, Nick Cushing.

Currently 31 years old, Heaps is playing for OL Lyonnaise in France’s top division and has an illustrious history in the NWSL, where she played a key role in leading the Portland Thorns to two NWSL Shields and a Championship. Her impressive accolades include multiple USWNT World Cup titles, Olympic gold medals, and four Division 1 Féminine titles, along with a UEFA Women’s Champions League title and the Coupe de France Féminine.

“Lindsey has achieved success at every level of the game. Her leadership, talent, and professionalism will undoubtedly elevate the standards at Summit FC when she joins us this summer. We are excited to welcome a hometown player back to Denver as we strive for championships and community growth,” Cushing added.

Expressing her enthusiasm about returning to Colorado, Heaps remarked, “I’m incredibly excited to come home to Colorado and join Denver Summit FC. This club signifies something special, not only for the league but also for the community and the next generation of players here. I am fully committed to finishing the season strong with OL Lyonnaise, and I eagerly anticipate beginning this next chapter in Denver this summer.”

Heaps, a native of Golden, Colorado, began her soccer journey with the Colorado Rush before her career took a significant turn. She opted to forgo a college career and scholarship at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill to sign a lucrative deal with Paris Saint-Germain.

The return of Heaps to the NWSL is not just a pivotal moment for Denver Summit FC; it also signals a broader trend in the league. In a time when many players are opting to play overseas, Heaps is making the opposite choice by returning to the United States.

“Signing Lindsey Heaps is a defining moment for Denver Summit FC,” remarked General Manager Curt Johnson. “She exemplifies the pinnacle of excellence as a player, leader, and professional. Welcoming her back to Colorado to help shape the identity of this club is immensely meaningful.”

Heaps brings a wealth of experience from her time in the NWSL. With the Portland Thorns, she contributed to the team’s triumphs in the 2017 NWSL Championship, the NWSL Shield in 2016 and 2021, and the NWSL Challenge Cup in 2021. She earned NWSL MVP honors in 2018.

Since joining OL Lyonnaise in 2022, Heaps has played a vital role in the midfield, aiding the French side in securing four Division 1 Féminine titles.

Heaps will complete her season with OL Lyonnaise before joining Denver Summit FC ahead of the second half of the 2026 NWSL season, having signed a contract that extends through the 2029 season. OL Lyonnaise will face Lens on January 14 for their first Division 1 Féminine match of 2026.