USWNT Captain Heaps Signs with Denver Summit Ahead of French Contract Expiration
In a move that promises to shake up the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), US women's national team captain Lindsey Heaps has joined Denver Summit, the league's 16th team, ahead of her contract expiration with French club OL Lyonnes.
Heaps, a native of Golden, Colorado, had expressed interest in playing in her home state after Denver Summit was announced as an expansion team. The 31-year-old has won numerous titles, including league championships in the US and France, a Champions League title, a World Cup, and an Olympic gold medal. She signed a contract with Denver through 2029.
Heaps cited majority owner Rob Cohen and coach Nick Cushing as key factors in her decision to join the team. "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," she said. The team has been assembling a roster, bringing in players from other top leagues such as Ally Watt and Carson Pickett.
Heaps is known for her aggressive playing style, which should serve her well on Denver's squad. Her height – 5-foot-9 – gives her an advantage in aerial duels. She expressed her desire to foster chemistry and standards that she believes will benefit the team and create a successful environment.
The 31-year-old has had a storied career, playing for Paris Saint-Germain and winning titles with the Portland Thorns. She made her return to the US after playing four seasons overseas. Heaps has been a fixture on the US women's national team since 2016 and served as captain since 2023.
Her signing comes as some other US national team stars have departed for Europe, highlighting the need for the NWSL to adapt its rules to attract and retain talent. The league introduced a new "High Impact Player Rule" that allows teams to exceed their salary cap by up to $1 million.
In a move that promises to shake up the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), US women's national team captain Lindsey Heaps has joined Denver Summit, the league's 16th team, ahead of her contract expiration with French club OL Lyonnes.
Heaps, a native of Golden, Colorado, had expressed interest in playing in her home state after Denver Summit was announced as an expansion team. The 31-year-old has won numerous titles, including league championships in the US and France, a Champions League title, a World Cup, and an Olympic gold medal. She signed a contract with Denver through 2029.
Heaps cited majority owner Rob Cohen and coach Nick Cushing as key factors in her decision to join the team. "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," she said. The team has been assembling a roster, bringing in players from other top leagues such as Ally Watt and Carson Pickett.
Heaps is known for her aggressive playing style, which should serve her well on Denver's squad. Her height – 5-foot-9 – gives her an advantage in aerial duels. She expressed her desire to foster chemistry and standards that she believes will benefit the team and create a successful environment.
The 31-year-old has had a storied career, playing for Paris Saint-Germain and winning titles with the Portland Thorns. She made her return to the US after playing four seasons overseas. Heaps has been a fixture on the US women's national team since 2016 and served as captain since 2023.
Her signing comes as some other US national team stars have departed for Europe, highlighting the need for the NWSL to adapt its rules to attract and retain talent. The league introduced a new "High Impact Player Rule" that allows teams to exceed their salary cap by up to $1 million.
I gotta say, this move is gonna shake things up big time! Lindsey Heaps joining Denver Summit is like a punch in the face to all the other NWSL teams - you know it's time for them to step up their game! 
And let's be real, 5-foot-9 with that height advantage? That girl can fly on the field, no doubt about it! 
I'm loving the sound of Rob Cohen and Nick Cushing's vision for the team, too - these guys know what they're doing. But seriously, this is like a wake-up call for the NWSL to get its act together and start attracting some serious talent. That "High Impact Player Rule" better be firing on all cylinders if they wanna keep up with the likes of Heaps! 
When USWNT Captain Lindsey Heaps joins Denver Summit, it's like saying "I'm not lazy, I'm just on energy-saving mode" 
...just kidding! 
️
I think this is super interesting! Lindsey Heaps joining Denver Summit is a huge deal, especially since she's been such an important player for the USWNT. It'll be awesome to see her bring her experience and leadership skills to the NWSL. The fact that she's choosing to play in Colorado, where she grew up, is also really cool. I'm excited to see how this move will impact the team and the league as a whole. 
! as a wellness enthusiast, I know how hard it can be to balance work and life, especially for female athletes who are often under the spotlight 
. plus, she's got some amazing skills on the field - that height advantage of hers is going to serve her well! 
️. idk about the NWSL needing to adapt tho 
can't wait 2 c her play 4 denver summit! 
Lindsey Heaps is joining Denver Summit! 
This is so exciting for US women's soccer 
. Her height advantage will be huge on the field 
! 
, not just because they're getting an experienced captain like Lindsey Heaps on board, but also because it shows the league is willing to invest in attracting top talent 
. The "High Impact Player Rule" was a good start, but I think what's really going to make a difference is when players like Heaps decide to come back to the NWSL for the long haul 
. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out and whether other teams can follow suit with similar moves 
... I mean, who needs another team in the US? It's not like we don't already have enough problems with injuries and player burnout or anything 
. I swear, if they want to keep up, they need to rethink their strategy from scratch 
.
](https://i.imgur.com/MQ2D6ZU.gif) 
Who needs the World Cup when you have a good ol' fashioned NWSL showdown? 
](https://i.imgur.com/YTlHj4S.gif)
I'm just glad she's coming home and making some new friends (aka teammates) 
. The NWSL needs to step up their game, but with Heaps on board, I think they've got this 
and also to give back to her home state after all the amazing things she's accomplished on the field 
they're definitely making some smart moves to build a strong squad with players from top leagues around the world 
. That being said, Rob Cohen and Nick Cushing seem like legit owners/coaches who know what they're doing 
Also, gotta say, the High Impact Player Rule could be a game-changer 
. What do you guys think about Lindsey's decision and the NWSL's chances of luring more stars? 