The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) recently revealed the top-selling jerseys a month into the 2026 season, with Washington Spirit’s Trinity Rodman taking the lead. Close behind, however, was Lindsey Heaps, a familiar face to U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) fans, despite not playing in the NWSL since 2021. The Golden, Colorado native, who signed with the expansion club Denver Summit FC in January, will join the team this summer after completing her final season with OL Lyonnes in France.
Lindsey Heaps Returns to Colorado for Special USWNT Match
Before her official return to the NWSL, Heaps will make her first appearance in Colorado since her signing with Summit FC. On April 17, the USWNT will face Japan at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, a game that holds special significance for Heaps, as it will be played at her future home stadium. "It’s so special to see the jersey sales," said Heaps, who already has strong ties to Colorado. She’s been actively involved with the team’s staff and has been following the Summit’s inaugural season closely. Additionally, she has already distributed over 50 tickets for the match to her family and friends.
A Personal Return and Career Reflection
For Heaps, the decision to return to her home state and play for Summit FC goes beyond professional aspirations. Growing up in Colorado, Heaps honed her skills through sheer dedication, often training multiple times a day, despite not being the naturally gifted athlete she is today. Reflecting on this, she emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent and how her journey shaped her love for the sport. "I wasn’t always this talented," Heaps recalled, "but I loved it, and that kept me going."
Heaps’ Impact on the NWSL and Summit FC
Heaps’ move to the Summit holds deeper significance for the NWSL as a whole. USWNT head coach Emma Hayes noted that bringing a top European player like Heaps back to her home market speaks to the growing appeal of the NWSL. "Lindsey’s no passenger. She’s ultra-competitive and will drive that team as a leader," said Hayes. Heaps' leadership and professionalism, developed through years of playing at the highest level, will undoubtedly benefit the Summit FC, who have already made waves with a record-breaking attendance at their home opener.
Record-Breaking Crowd and Growing Support for Women's Soccer
The Summit FC's home opener was a landmark event for U.S. soccer, drawing an impressive crowd of 63,004 fans to Empower Field at Mile High. This attendance shattered the previous NWSL record by over 20,000 people. For U.S. forward Sophia Wilson, who hails from Windsor, Colo., the crowd’s enthusiasm was no surprise. "Colorado has always been a women’s sports city," Wilson said. "They just needed a team to support." This growing support is seen as a promising sign for the future of women’s soccer, and Heaps' return to her home state will further cement Colorado as a key hub for the sport.
The match against Japan on April 17 will serve as a reminder of the past successes of the USWNT while highlighting the promising future of women’s soccer, particularly in cities like Denver that are becoming central to the sport’s growth in the U.S.
