Dec 1, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; United States midfielder Lindsey Heaps (10) passes the ball against Italy during the first half at Chase Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Colorado native Lindsey Heaps has agreed to join Denver Summit FC upon the completion of her season with Lyon in the French Première Ligue season. The 31-year-old will sign on a free transfer through the 2029 NWSL season. She is expected to arrive in Denver in June.
“I’m incredibly excited to come home to Colorado and join Denver Summit FC,” Heaps said. “This club represents something special, not just for the league, but for this community and for the next generation of players growing up here.”
A team spokesperson said it is unclear whether a part of Heaps’ contract will be paid using High Impact Player money.
The signing of the United States national team captain is the biggest get for either of the impending expansion teams (the Summit will be joined on the table this season by fellow expansion side Boston Legacy FC). Heaps’ signing is also a return for the storied player to the NWSL — she played for Portland Thorns FC between 2016 and 2021 before leaving for Lyon, initially on a loan arrangement. Before that she was with Lyon’s archrival, Paris Saint-Germain.
During her time in Portland, Heaps helped the Thorns win four trophies including the 2017 NWSL Championship. She scored the only goal in that championship match and was named MVP. The Thorns bookended her stay by winning shields in both 2016 and 2021. They also won the 2021 Challenge Cup. In 2018, when the Thorns lost in the NWSL Championship, Heaps was named league MVP.
At Lyon, Heaps has won the league four times and has also earned a UEFA Champions League title. The team has a commanding league at the midway point of this season and are in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
“I’m fully committed to finishing the season strong with Lyon, and I can’t wait to begin this next chapter in Denver this summer,” Heaps said.
Heaps played her entire Thorns career under her former name, Lindsey Horan.
Internationally, Heaps has been capped 170 times by the United States and has 38 goals. She was part of the World Cup championship team in 2019 and started all six matches on the way to an Olympic gold medal in 2024.
“Lindsey will bring a world-class level to our team and represents the ambition of this club on-and-off the field,” said Summit FC Head Coach Nick Cushing. “Lindsey has won at every level of the game. Her leadership, talent, and professionalism will continue to raise the standard for Summit FC when she arrives this summer. We are thrilled to welcome a hometown player back to Denver as we work to win championships and grow our club and community.”
