Behind every great athlete stands a strong support system, and in the case of Lindsey Heaps (born Lindsey Michelle Horan), it begins with her parents, Mark and Linda Horan.
The star midfielder has become a household name as the captain of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT), with her parents guiding her every step of the way.
When you get to witness this 😭😭😭😭 @LindseyHoran ‘s parents celebrating her 1st WC goal pic.twitter.com/tQzZrIDekk
— Jordan Angeli (@jordangeli) June 11, 2019
Her Mother, Linda Horan, Was Her First Coach
Lindsey Heaps’ parents recognized her extraordinary talent at an early age.
Her mother, Linda Horan, was not just a cheerleader; she was Lindsey’s first coach.
Linda recalls coaching Lindsey’s team when she was just five years old and proudly keeps a photo of her daughter in a yellow jersey from those days.
Her mother’s coaching shaped Lindsey’s soccer IQ and confidence on the field.
On the other hand, her father, Mark Horan, played a different but equally vital role.
While he supported Lindsey’s passion for soccer, he emphasized the importance of education.
When French powerhouse Olympique Lyonnais expressed interest in a teenage Lindsey, it was Mark who insisted she complete high school before making any major career decisions.
His protective instincts and measured advice helped Lindsey stay grounded during critical turning points.
Her Parents Sacrificed A Lot To Make Her A standout Player
Lindsey Heaps’ parents never hesitated to travel long distances to support her career.
Whether it was watching her compete in France during her time with Paris Saint-Germain or cheering her on at national games across the U.S., Mark and Linda were always there.
Mark, a vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank in Kansas City, often combined business trips with opportunities to see Lindsey play.
In a 2018 interview, he said,
It’s an incredible experience, and I can’t tell you how proud I am of her.
Via Kansas City Star
That pride has only grown as Lindsey has transformed into one of the sport’s elite talents.
Nonetheless, during the soccer star’s teenage years, her parents had to make difficult choices about her future.
When she chose to reject a full scholarship from the University of North Carolina to sign professionally with PSG, it created tension, especially with her mother.
Linda wanted to ensure her daughter’s well-being in a foreign country.
Ultimately, both Mark and Linda supported Lindsey’s dream and even traveled to Paris to witness her flourish.
Now, she has developed into a fine athlete who is breaking records every now and then.
