Lindsey Heaps has a lot on her plate — and she couldn’t be happier. The veteran midfielder and US Women’s National Team (USWNT) captain will soon head back to her hometown of Denver, Colorado, to join the brand new Denver Summit FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The move stateside means leaving her current base in Lyon, France, where she’s been part of the OL Lyonnes Football Club for the past four years. But that’s only one play. Heaps is also stepping into a new role off the field as co-host of The Captain with Sam Mewis, a podcast from the Men in Blazers network that speaks to how Heaps is leading the UWSNT toward the 2027 FIFA World Cup at a time when women’s soccer is hitting a new level of visibility and competition.
It’s a role that perfectly fits this phase of Heaps’s career. Heaps has grown into a leader and trusted voice in the game, shaped by years of playing at home and abroad, evolving alongside the sport itself. In the United States, the NWSL has accelerated on every front: talent, coaching, infrastructure, and expectations. Her move to Denver reflects that momentum, and offers a clear view of where the league is headed. Here, she shares what she’s most excited about, both for the NWSL season, and the leadup to the Women’s World Cup in 2027.
On stepping into The Captain
“I honestly thought to myself, do I want to be doing this during my career, during my playing days? Is this more of an after career thing? But the fact that it was Men in Blazers and that such good people wanted to do [the podcast] in the right way… I was like, this is actually something that I completely align with. And I was just so excited because they wanted to tell a different story about me… and I love talking about it.”
On what it’s like to reflect while still playing
“It’s actually really special because you kind of get to reflect on everything that’s giving a little background into our lives, into camps, [and] games.”
On leadership, in real time
“I’ve learned from so many leaders on this USWNT and captains on this team. I take bits and pieces from everyone as I evolve in my own way as a leader.”
On the NWSL’s evolution
“The NWSL has built something incredible. I think it is one of the best and most competitive leagues in the world. No game is easy… any team can win on any given day.”
On returning home to Denver
“I always said I want to go to the right place. It’s not just because it’s Denver that I’m going there. They put the right head coach [Nick Cushing, former coach of Manchester City Women FC] in place. He has such an incredible tactical brain, and he’s one of the most well-known coaches across women’s football. The fact that Denver was able to snag him is a win in itself. It’s something I’ve seen the NWSL do: Invest in coaches. And I get to go play in my home state and in front of my family and friends. So it’s going to be incredible.”
On this phase of her career
“It’s a very different experience this time around because I’m older, I’m more experienced, and the confidence level is a little bit different. I wanted to make the most of it, which means being an impactful player while helping the youngsters as well.”
On the advice she’d give her younger self
“Oh man, I’d probably tell her the same thing… to never lose the love you have for whatever you’re passionate about. I always think about that young little Lindsey that just loved soccer, was training all day, every day. She just wanted to touch the ball, or to score a goal. [That young Lindsey] just fell in love with the game. [And I would tell her] to never let anyone let you fall out of love with that.”
On why that matters
“If you fall out of love with it, you’re not going to go work hard… you have to love working hard.”
On staying grounded
“My support group. My small circle is very, very special to me. There’s no way I would be where I am right now without them.”
Rapidfire
A handful of fast getting-to-know-you questions, with no overthinking required.
Pre-game ritual: A quiet thought or prayer to herself on the field
Hype song: Drake or Eminem
Post-game meal: Chick-fil-A
Currently listening to: New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce
Dream collab: A guest spot on New Heights