In a major coup for the National Women's Soccer League, United States captain Lindsey Horan is set for a highly anticipated homecoming, signing with the expansion franchise Denver Summit.
A Colorado Homecoming
The 31-year-old midfielder will join the Summit this summer upon the conclusion of her contract with French powerhouse OL Lyonnes. A native of Golden, Colorado, Horan expressed her long-held desire to play professionally in her home state after the club was announced as the league's 16th team in January 2025.
"When I first heard about the team, I didn't really feel like it was real," Horan told the Associated Press. "I couldn't believe that we were getting a professional women's soccer team in Denver." She has signed a contract with Denver that runs through 2029.
Driving Factors Behind the Move
Several personal and professional motivations influenced Horan's decision. Family connections in Colorado played a significant role, as did the logistical ease of being closer to her husband, Tyler Heaps, who is the general manager of MLS side San Diego FC.
Professionally, Horan was drawn by the vision of majority owner Rob Cohen and head coach Nick Cushing, formerly of Manchester City Women and NYCFC. "I think they align with all of my beliefs in how they see the team... and the investment that they're putting in," she stated.
An Illustrious Career
Horan brings a wealth of winning experience to the new franchise. Her trophy cabinet includes:
- An NWSL title with Portland Thorns (2017)
- A UEFA Women's Champions League title with Lyon
- A FIFA Women's World Cup (2019)
- An Olympic gold medal (2024 Paris)
After bypassing a college scholarship to play for Paris Saint-Germain, she returned to the US with Portland, where she was named the NWSL MVP in 2018. In 95 appearances for Lyon, she scored 22 goals. A fixture for the US since the 2016 Olympics, she has earned 170 caps and has served as captain since 2023.
Context and League Response
Horan's return to the American league comes amid a notable trend of US stars, such as Naomi Girma and Alyssa Thompson, moving to European clubs like Chelsea. In a bid to retain top talent, the NWSL recently introduced a new 'High Impact Player Rule', allowing teams to exceed the salary cap by up to $1 million.
Reflecting on her time in Europe, Horan believes it was crucial for her development. "I wanted to challenge myself in a different way," she said, emphasising that the experience made her a more complete player.
As the Denver Summit builds its inaugural squad, the signing of a global star and national team captain like Lindsey Horan represents a monumental statement of intent for the club and the continued growth of the NWSL.
