Lindsey Heaps has become a symbol of perseverance and ambition for American players venturing abroad, and as she prepares to leave the south of France this summer, she reflects on a remarkable journey that began in a modest backyard and culminated in captaining the United States women’s national team while starring for Lyonnais. The 31‑year‑old midfielder will head back to the United States to join the newly created Denver Summit midway through their inaugural season, closing a chapter that has transformed her both on and off the pitch.
When Heaps first arrived in Lyon in January 2022, she was a relative newcomer to European football, eager to test herself against the world’s elite. Over the past two and a half years she has evolved from a "baby" in the squad to the respected captain of a side that consistently competes at the very top of the women’s game. She openly acknowledges that her growth mirrors the broader rise of U.S.
talent overseas; today the USWNT fields seven players based in Europe, five of them in the English Women’s Super League and two – Heaps and her teammate Lily Yohannes – at Lyonnais. This exodus has even prompted the NWSL to voice concerns about losing its brightest home‑grown stars to foreign leagues. In a candid interview with Sky Sports, Heaps described the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language, noting that many American players before her have struggled with the distance from home.
"It’s really hard being away from family and adjusting to a club with a different language and way of life," she said. Yet she also emphasized that those very difficulties have produced some of the most rewarding years of her career. Playing alongside the world’s best has not only sharpened her technical abilities but also boosted her confidence, allowing her to prove her worth to herself and to aspiring young girls back in the United States. Heaps’ story is rooted in a childhood that combined sport, family support, and a willingness to step outside comfort zones.
Growing up in Colorado, she spent countless afternoons playing American football in the backyard with her older brother, an activity encouraged by parents who were both accomplished runners. Those early bouts of sibling rivalry taught her that she could hold her own against older, more experienced opponents, laying the groundwork for a mindset that embraces new challenges. "I was a very shy, timid girl," Heaps recalled. "It wasn’t easy to step out of my comfort zone, but my parents and my first coach – my mother – helped me find confidence on the field." The pivotal moment came at age five when she joined a local girls’ football team.
The camaraderie and sense of belonging she found there ignited a lifelong passion for the sport. Without those formative experiences, she admits she might never have become the leader she is today, nor would she have earned the USWNT captaincy or the opportunity to live and play in France. Beyond her personal achievements, Heaps has become an advocate for increasing participation among young girls, aligning herself with Arsenal Women’s partnership with Unilever’s "Dirt Is Good" campaign.
The initiative, launched after research revealed that one in five UK girls lose interest in outdoor play by age eight and that girls are 22 percent less likely than boys to play outside, aims to break down gender stereotypes surrounding mess and adventure. Heaps, moved by the campaign’s message and its resonance with her own upbringing, volunteered to help spread the cause. "We identified a gender gap – girls think playing outside is a ‘boys’ thing’ and stay indoors more," explained Tati Lindenberg, CMO of Dirt Is Good.
"But outdoor play builds confidence, resilience and creativity, which are essential for development." Heaps’ own childhood provides tangible proof of that principle. By the time she was a teenager, she had already been scouted for U.S. youth national teams and caught the eye of French talent spotters at 17. Those scouts, working for the very club she would later join, invited her to consider a move to Europe.
Heaps chose to finish her high school education in Colorado first, but when the opportunity resurfaced a year later – this time from Paris Saint‑Germain – she faced a decisive crossroads. "I had to ask myself whether staying in the United States and going to college would really help me reach the next level," she said.
"I grew up watching European football, especially Barcelona, 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 when the chance came, I didn’t want to miss it." After a stint with Portland Thorns in 2016 – a decision influenced by the USWNT’s historic reluctance to select players based abroad – Heaps returned to Europe in 2022, this time with Lyonnais. Even with prior experience in France, the transition felt nerve‑wracking. "There are always hesitations when you join a new team," she admitted.
"But remembering how far I’ve come, the confidence I’ve built, and the leadership I now embody helps me push through any anxiety." Looking ahead, Heaps will once again cross the Atlantic to join Denver Summit, bringing with her a wealth of experience, a trove of memories, and a legacy that demonstrates the power of taking bold leaps. Her story serves as a blueprint for young American athletes who dream of testing themselves on the global stage, proving that stepping out of comfort zones can lead to personal growth, professional success, and lasting impact on the sport’s future. As Heaps prepares for her final month in Lyon, she remains hopeful that her journey will inspire the next generation of girls to chase their own ambitions, whether that means playing in a stadium in France, a college field in the United States, or simply daring to get a little dirty outside. The message is clear: confidence, resilience, and a willingness to embrace the unknown are the true hallmarks of a champion.