For USWNT Captain Lindsey Heaps, Returning to Denver Is More Than Just a Homecoming

Key Points:

• Lindsey Heaps, a U.S. women's national team star, has recently ended her superstitious pre-match ritual of wearing old red slides, choosing instead to focus on her own preparation and mindset.
• Heaps's unique career path began with a controversial decision to skip college and turn professional at 18 with Paris Saint-Germain, paving the way for other USWNT players to consider alternative routes to pro soccer.
• After successful stints in France and Portland, Heaps has returned to the NWSL to play for the new Denver Summit expansion team, embracing the challenge of leading her hometown club while preparing for the 2024 World Cup.
• The NWSL has evolved significantly since Heaps last played in the league, with increased investment, higher-quality coaching, and greater international talent, making it one of the most competitive women's soccer leagues globally.
• As captain of both Denver Summit and the USWNT, Heaps draws on leadership lessons from past legends and aims to build a winning team culture, driven by her relentless desire for success and personal growth.