Lauren Holiday

Lauren Holiday is a celebrated former professional soccer player who made a significant impact on the sport during her career. Playing as a midfielder and forward, she was a key member of the United States Women's National Soccer Team from 2007 to 2015. Holiday's illustrious career is highlighted by her accomplishments as a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a FIFA Women's World Cup champion. She also played professionally for FC Kansas City in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the Boston Breakers in the Women's Professional Soccer (WPS), and was a standout collegiate athlete for the UCLA Bruins.

Holiday's international success includes winning gold with the U.S. Women's National Team at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics and the 2012 London Summer Olympics. She played a pivotal role in securing the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup title in Canada, further solidifying her legacy in the sport. In the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, where the U.S. team finished as runners-up, Holiday's exceptional performance earned her a spot on the tournament's All-Star team.

In 2007, Holiday's talent and potential were recognized when she was named U.S. Soccer Young Female Athlete of the Year. Her excellence on the field continued to shine, culminating in her being honored as the U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year in 2014. Upon retiring from professional soccer, she became the first player in NWSL history to have her jersey retired. In 2020, Holiday joined the ownership group for Angel City FC of the NWSL.

Beyond the field, Holiday has also been on an inspiring health journey. She underwent open-heart surgery when she was just three years old, and in 2016 she was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor while pregnant with her first child. Holiday said playing sports helped her become stronger growing up, and credited her children with helping her get through tough times.