Lindsey Heaps has become a trailblazer for American players abroad, and she is preparing to leave the south of France this summer to rejoin her native United States, where she will sign for the newly created Denver Summit midway through the club's inaugural campaign. The 31‑year‑old captain of the United States women’s national team arrives back home transformed from the rookie who first set foot in Lyon in January 2022 into a seasoned leader who has helped guide the world’s second‑ranked side. Heaps openly describes her evolution as moving from a "baby" in the professional game to the skipper of a top‑ranked national squad, while simultaneously serving as a visible example of American talent thriving beyond the continent. Her success has sparked a growing concern within the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) that the league may lose its brightest homegrown stars to European clubs.
At present, seven members of the USWNT ply their trade in Europe – five in England’s Women’s Super League and two, Heaps and Lily Yohannes, at Lyon. Speaking to Sky Sports as she prepares for her final month in Lyon, Heaps reflected on the challenges faced by earlier pioneers: "I’ve seen many players struggle with being far from home, adapting to a new culture and language. It really is hard." Yet she added that these years have also been among the most rewarding of her career, noting that the level of competition and the daily comfort of training with the world’s best have reshaped her perspective.
"I wanted to prove to myself that I could belong at that level and also show young girls in the United States that it’s possible," she said. The ripple effect of her journey is evident. Heaps observes a surge of interest among American youngsters who now see pathways to Europe as realistic options.
"You see Americans in England, in France, all over the world. That’s something very special," she explained, highlighting how her visibility has inspired a new generation to aim higher. Her love for the sport traces back to a modest childhood in Colorado, where she and her older brother would kick a football around the backyard while their parents, both accomplished runners, encouraged their athletic pursuits. Those early scrimmages gave her confidence that she could hold her own against peers, even before she understood the broader implications.
"I was a very shy, timid girl," Heaps recalled. "Stepping outside my comfort zone was difficult, but playing with my brother and later joining a team coached by my mother helped me grow. My most vivid memories are of football – making friends with other girls at age five and feeling my confidence blossom." Without those formative experiences, Heaps doubts she would have reached the heights she enjoys today – no captaincy, no stint in France, perhaps not even the self‑assurance that sport has bestowed upon her. Her story dovetails with Arsenal Women’s recent partnership with Unilever’s Dirt Is Good campaign, which aims to encourage girls to play outdoors.
The campaign, based on a survey showing that one in five UK girls lose interest in outdoor play by age eight, has already reached over 5,000 families through school visits and community work. Heaps, resonating with the campaign’s message, volunteered to help raise awareness.
Tati Lindenberg, CMO of Dirt Is Good, explained the gender gap: "Girls are 22% less likely to play outside than boys, and many see getting dirty as a 'boys' activity.' This matters because outdoor play fosters confidence, resilience and creativity." Heaps’ own upbringing provides a concrete example of those benefits. By the time she was a teenager, she recognized football could be a career, earning spots on youth US national teams. At 17, French scouts – including those from Lyon, the club she would later join – identified her talent, but she chose to finish high school in Colorado before eventually moving to Europe.
When the opportunity resurfaced, this time with Paris Saint‑Germain, Heaps faced a pivotal decision. "I asked myself whether staying in the USA and going to college would really help me reach the next level," she said.
"I grew up watching European football, especially Barcelona, even on a secret subscription my parents didn’t know about. Seeing them lift the Champions League trophy made me think, 'That’s what I want.' So I stepped out of my comfort zone and chased the dream." After a brief return to the United States to play for Portland in 2016 – largely because the USWNT at that time was hesitant to select overseas‑based players – Heaps headed back to France in 2022 to join Lyon. Even with prior French experience, the move was nerve‑wracking. "The first day at PSG, then the first day at Lyon, there were still doubts," she admitted.
"But I reminded myself of how far I’ve come – the confidence, the leadership, the experience. That’s why I wanted to come back: I know who I am now." Heaps will depart France again this summer, returning to the United States with a wealth of memories and a legacy that proves taking bold risks can pay off. Her journey illustrates how an American player can thrive in Europe, inspire future generations, and help bridge the gender gap in sport participation.
As she prepares for her next chapter with Denver Summit, Heaps hopes her story will continue to motivate young athletes to pursue their ambitions, whether on a French pitch or a Colorado field.